Hungary says it will object to the latest European sanctions package against Russia
TL;DR
Hungary will block the EU's 20th sanctions package against Russia until Ukraine resumes oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline, citing energy security concerns. Slovakia supports Hungary's stance, threatening to cut electricity exports to Ukraine. The dispute highlights tensions between EU solidarity and member-state energy needs, with implications for fuel prices and regional relations.
Hungary says it will object to the latest European sanctions package against Russia
Hungary Objects to EU’s 20th Sanctions Package Against Russia Over Energy Dispute
Hungary has announced its intention to block the European Union’s 20th sanctions package against Russia, citing unresolved disputes over energy supplies and transit agreements. The decision, confirmed by Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó on February 22, ties Hungary’s support for the sanctions to Ukraine’s resumption of crude oil deliveries via the Druzhba pipeline, a critical energy artery for Hungary and Slovakia.
Szijjártó stated that Hungary will withhold approval until Ukraine restores oil transit, which was halted on January 27. He characterized the suspension as “political blackmail” by Kyiv, aimed at inflating fuel prices in Europe ahead of April elections. Hungary has partially mitigated the disruption by releasing strategic oil reserves and securing alternative maritime supplies, but the government insists on guaranteed pipeline access.
The stance aligns with broader Hungarian resistance to EU sanctions, including recent measures to halt diesel exports to Ukraine and veto a €90 billion EU loan to support Kyiv’s budget. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán accused Ukraine of violating the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement by blocking the Druzhba pipeline and leveraging energy supplies as a political tool. Slovakia, which also relies on the pipeline, has joined Hungary’s position, threatening to cut electricity exports to Ukraine if transit is not restored.
The dispute highlights tensions between EU solidarity and member-state energy security concerns. While Hungary and Slovakia argue their actions protect regional stability, critics view the sanctions delay as undermining collective efforts to isolate Russia. The EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting on February 23 will test whether compromises can be reached to advance the sanctions package.
Investors should monitor developments in energy markets and EU-Ukraine relations, as prolonged disputes could exacerbate fuel price volatility and strain regional economic ties. The outcome may also influence broader debates over the EU’s anti-coercion mechanisms and energy policy cohesion.
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