France, Oct. 20 -- Energy ministers from the 27-nation bloc meeting in Luxembourg have approved a plan by the European Commission to phase out both pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from Russia by the end of 2027.

Lars Aagaard, energy minister of Denmark, which holds the EU's rotating presidency, called it a crucial step to make Europe energy independent.

"Although we have worked hard and pushed to get Russian gas and oil out of Europe in recent years, we are not there yet," Aagaard said.

The plan, which must be approved by the bloc's parliament, is part of a broader EU strategy to wean EU countries bloc off Russian energy supplies.

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