The European Commission is anticipating repairs to the Druzhba oil pipeline, which is crucial for resuming Russian oil supplies, following the recent political shift in Hungary after Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s defeat in the April 12 elections. This was confirmed by Commission spokesperson Paola Pigni during a briefing on April 14, as reported by Radio Liberty correspondent in Brussels.
Pigni stated, “The proposals remain valid,” in response to inquiries about the readiness of European Commission experts to assess the pipeline and provide funding for its repairs.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking in Berlin on April 14, indicated that partial repairs to the Druzhba pipeline are expected to be completed by the end of April. He noted, “It will be repaired by the end of April, not completely, but sufficiently to function. Not all tanks will be repaired; that is a lengthy process. The question is whether it will be able to operate? Yes, by the end of April,” emphasizing the importance of aligning this effort with actions from EU members, particularly Hungary, regarding the unblocking of aid to Ukraine.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán had previously called for the restoration of the Druzhba pipeline, which runs through Ukraine and was damaged by Russian shelling on January 27, thereby blocking a €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine.
In Brussels, there are expectations that the situation may improve following the victory of opposition leader Péter Márki-Zay. Márki-Zay has indicated a willingness to lift Budapest’s veto on financial support for Ukraine.
However, the new Hungarian leader does not plan to abruptly sever ties with Russian energy supplies. He has expressed support for a gradual phase-out of Russian energy by 2035, contrasting with Brussels’ aim to achieve this by the end of the current year.
The European Commission is looking forward to the repair of the Druzhba pipeline, crucial for Russian oil supplies, following Hungary's recent political changes. Ukrainian President Zelensky has announced partial repairs by the end of April, while the new Hungarian leadership shows a willingness to reconsider financial support for Ukraine.