The European Union is tightening rules to increase transparency in gas supplies.

Axar.az reports that under the new EU regulation EU/261/2026, the obligation to prove with official documents that gas entering the European market through Azerbaijan and Turkiye is not of Russian origin is introduced.

According to the new mechanism, the confirmation of origin will be carried out at border checkpoints before the gas enters the EU territory. In particular, documents will be checked at entry points such as Strandzha 1 in Bulgaria. The aim is to completely prevent the embargo against Russian gas from being circumvented indirectly.

EU officials say that the new regulation will strengthen traceability in the supply chain, reduce the risks of possible “rebranding” through third countries, and ensure compliance with the rules in the energy market. It is emphasized that the implementation of the rules will make control procedures more systematic and stricter.