(ANSA) - BELGRADE, JUN 17 - The European Commission is accelerating the ban on Russian gas and launching a three-phase crackdown to end imports by the end of 2027: new contracts will be prohibited beginning January 1, 2026, short-term agreements will expire on June 17, 2026, and long-term agreements on December 31, 2027. A derogation is also planned for countries without access to the sea, such as Hungary and Slovakia, who will be able to continue importing Russian gas until the end of 2027. (ANSA).