“Most European Union member states have in recent years taken robust steps to free themselves from dependence on Russian energy. Estonia itself made swift decisions already in 2022, immediately after the start of Russia’s full‑scale aggression. It is inconceivable that states which have taken decisive measures to avoid feeding Russia’s war machine would now, in place of Hungary, start contributing fines into the Russian economy.
Hungary, too, could already have taken decisions to free itself from dependence on Russian energy; for example, Croatia has repeatedly offered the possibility of supplying Hungary with alternative deliveries.
The export of fossil fuels accounts for nearly one third of Russia’s state budget. Russia uses this money to continue its aggression in Ukraine and to prepare for a long‑term confrontation with the West.
The EU has, through its actions, clearly expressed its determination to cut ties with a state that disregards international norms, directly threatens the EU energy market and the vital infrastructure of its member states, and has proven itself an unreliable energy supplier. Only recently, agreement was reached on the RePowerEU package, which creates the legal basis for a complete ban on Russian gas imports by September 2027, and on liquefied natural gas already from 1 January 2027. Next year, the European Commission will also present a proposal to ban the import of Russian oil.
Nor can it be overlooked that the current Hungarian government’s actions have repeatedly run counter to the principles of the rule of law and to EU‑wide agreed policies. Only last week, when the EU adopted a critically important decision to keep Russia’s frozen assets frozen until Russia ends its war of aggression against Ukraine and compensates Ukraine for the damage caused, the Hungarian government expressed strong opposition to this essential step.”
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