France and Belgium opposed the ban on the import of Russian gas to European countries

The two largest buyers of Russian gas in Europe, France and Belgium, opposed the ban on the import of Russian gas to the EU countries, which was initiated by the European Commission.

According to Politico, Brussels and Paris refused to support the ban on the import of Russian blue fuel, demanding additional consultations on the possible consequences of such a decision.

"The two largest buyers of Russian liquefied natural gas in the European Union refuse to approve Brussels' plan to ban Moscow's gas supplies," the article says.

France and Belgium require European bureaucrats to conduct an adequate analysis of the economic and legal consequences of such a decision.

French Energy Minister Marc Ferracci explained his country's position by saying that Paris defends the "European diversification strategy" and at the same time needs "legal protection."

He told the publication that a complete rejection of Russian gas could hit French private companies that will face "Russian court cases" over contracts.

Earlier, EADaily reported that the European Union plans to introduce a zero quota for Russian gas so that EU companies can break long-term contracts for the supply of fuel from Russia and imports stopped completely at the end of 2027.