EU's 'election time' taunt to Orban over his threat to halt ban on buying Russian gas|Hungary,Ukraine

The European Parliament approved a phase-out of Russian gas imports, including pipeline and LNG, under the REPower EU plan, with 500 votes in favor and 120 against. The legislation sets short-term contract bans from April–June 2026 and full termination of long-term contracts by September 2027, with penalties for non-compliance. EU lawmakers defended the move as “strong and sound,” despite legal threats from Hungary and Slovakia, which argue the measure requires unanimous approval as an economic sanction. Lawmakers noted other member states adjusted politically to the decision. The vote marks a decisive step toward ending EU dependence on Russian energy amid geopolitical tensions.