The European Commission is set to propose a permanent ban on the import of Russian oil, with the submission planned for April 15, following the recent patterns in EU foreign policy aimed at reducing dependency on Russian energy sources. This scheduled timing of the proposal is strategically aligned to avoid it becoming a significant issue in the upcoming Hungarian election campaign, with officials from the EU indicating that the proposal will be submitted just three days after the elections are held. The importance of this timing reflects the need to minimize internal political backlash from countries like Hungary and Slovakia, which have voiced strong opposition to any bans due to their reliance on Russian oil.

This upcoming legislative proposal aims to solidify the EU's stance against Russian oil, which has been a focal point in the ongoing geopolitical conflict stemming from the Ukraine war. Past measures have already imposed sanctions on oil transported by sea from Russia, but this new move intends to legislate a complete ban that would outlast the duration of the war and any potential peace negotiations that could lead to the lifting of current sanctions. Such actions signal the EU's commitment to shift away from Russian energy dependency, despite the challenges faced by member states that heavily depend on these resources.

As the EU finalizes this proposal, the implications of a permanent ban on Russian oil imports could have long-lasting effects on energy supply chains within Europe, especially affecting Hungary and Slovakia. These countries' strong opposition highlights the divisions within the EU concerning energy policies and the complex balancing act that the European Commission must navigate. Should the proposal proceed as planned, it will reflect a significant step towards a unified European energy policy, prioritizing security and sustainability over prior dependencies on Russian oil.