France and Belgium in no hurry to support decision to abandon Russian gas by 2027

France and Belgium are refusing to support the European Commission’s proposal to ban the purchase of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia, Politico reports.

“France and Belgium are seeking more reassurances on Brussels’ proposal to gradually end Russian gas purchases by 2027,” reads the publication.

Politico quotes French Energy Minister Marc Ferracci: “What we’re defending is a European strategy of diversification … which is already on the table.”

According to the report, Belgium, which is the second-largest importer of Russian gas, wishes to assess the economic consequences before making a decision.