European Union member states are pressing for strict confidentiality regarding their individual plans to phase out Russian oil and gas by the end of 2027, as negotiations over the European Commission’s new energy proposal intensify.
According to an internal draft document, Denmark, currently holding the rotating EU presidency and leading the talks, has proposed that these national strategies be kept under “professional secrecy,” ensuring they cannot be disclosed without the consent of the originating state.
Under the European Commission’s proposal, unveiled last month, all member countries would be required to submit detailed national plans to Brussels.
These plans are expected to include specific measures and timelines for ending the import of Russian oil and gas, alongside strategies to reduce demand, boost renewable energy production, secure new supply routes, and address obstacles to diversifying away from Russian energy.
The push for confidentiality is believed to be driven by fears that public disclosure could affect market gas prices, expose commercially or politically sensitive data about sourcing alternative fuels, or compromise energy security.
While submission of the plans to the European authorities remains mandatory, the “professional secrecy” clause would prevent their release to external parties or other authorities, unless explicitly allowed by the submitting state.
The initial Commission proposal did not specify if such secrecy would be applied, leaving this issue at the centre of ongoing talks.
Denmark’s EU presidency has so far declined to comment on the negotiations.
The debate comes as the EU seeks unity in its response to Russia’s war in Ukraine, with some central and eastern European countries, notably Slovakia and Hungary, continuing to rely heavily on Russian pipeline gas and resisting further bans or sanctions.
Slovakia, concerned about rising energy prices and compensation mechanisms, has linked its support for new sanctions to clearer guarantees from Brussels regarding the repercussions of ending Russian gas supplies.
Diplomatic discussions on these energy plans and their confidential status are expected to continue into next week, with legal questions also arising over the consequences for companies locked into existing Russian gas contracts.
