US EditionHungary, Slovakia Face Scrutiny as EU Targets Russian Druzhba Oil
Slovak and Hungarian officials stress the need for infrastructure to support alternative energy routes before ending Russian imports, with Hungary signing a 10-year Shell gas contract.
- Hungary and Slovakia remain reliant on Russian oil and gas amid increasing US and EU pressure to end these imports following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
- They resist halting Russian energy imports until alternative infrastructure and supply capacity are sufficient, citing risks to their industries and economies.
- Both countries have launched energy diversification efforts, including Hungary’s long-term gas contract with Shell and Slovakia’s use of the Adriatic pipeline for alternative oil.
- Hungarian Minister Gergely Gulyás emphasized that Hungary will block EU measures that directly conflict with its national interests, particularly regarding energy procurement.
- The situation implies continued diplomatic and economic negotiations, as US-EU coordination on sanctions intensifies and Hungary and Slovakia seek EU support to manage energy transitions.
39 Articles
39 Articles
The European Union is considering steps to halt Russian crude oil imports through the Friendship pipeline. The move has a major impact on the energy security of Hungary and Slovakia, as it is the most important source of crude oil for both countries. The measure aims to avoid the veto of the two countries while meeting international, mainly American, expectations.
The European Union is considering new trade measures aimed at reducing remaining Russian oil imports, particularly through the Druzhba pipeline, which supplies Hungary and Slovakia, Bloomberg reported, citing sources familiar with the negotiations.
The European Union is considering trade measures against imports of Russian oil, which Hungary and Slovakia still buy.
These plans are not linked to proposals for a new EU package of sanctions.
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