The European Commission has called on Ukraine to expedite repairs on the Druzhba oil pipeline, which has been damaged due to ongoing conflict. Currently, the Croatian pipeline Adria is viewed as the most viable alternative for oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia.
Experts from the EU have indicated that the capacity of the Croatian operator JANAF is sufficient to meet the oil needs of both Hungary and Slovakia. Croatian officials have confirmed their readiness to ensure a stable transit of non-Russian oil.
“As a strategic energy hub of the European Union and the only secure route for crude oil supply to Central Europe, JANAF is fully prepared to meet the annual needs of oil refineries in Slovakia and Hungary,” stated the network operator.
Representatives from the European Commission emphasized that there is currently no critical threat to energy security, as countries have adequate reserves in place.
The Druzhba pipeline was damaged in late January due to a Russian attack. Ukraine has initiated recovery efforts, but President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted the risks faced by workers due to the potential for further strikes.
“When you conduct repairs, Russia attacks again. So why carry out repairs? To lose more people? I think that is a very high price,” Zelensky explained during a meeting with EU leaders.
Kyiv has also stressed the unacceptability of political pressure from Budapest and Bratislava, which have halted diesel and electricity exports to Ukraine amid an energy dispute.
According to Euronews, Hungary has utilized its veto power to block a loan to Ukraine and the 20th sanctions package due to the suspension of transit. Prime Minister Viktor Orban has labeled the situation as “blackmail” and has ordered the military to secure oil infrastructure near the Ukrainian border.
The situation remains tense as elections approach in Hungary, where criticism of Brussels and Kyiv has become part of the ruling party’s campaign rhetoric.
Previously, Slovakia and Hungary had lodged complaints against Ukraine with the European Commission regarding the cessation of Russian oil transit. The conflict escalated after Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to ultimatums from Orban and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, emphasizing the unacceptability of political pressure.
Despite the ongoing disputes, Ukraine has proposed a compromise to Hungary regarding the Druzhba pipeline situation. Meanwhile, EU officials have repeatedly noted that Hungary could, if necessary, forgo Russian oil in favor of alternative routes through Croatia.
The European Commission is urging Ukraine to accelerate repairs on the Druzhba pipeline, which has been damaged amid ongoing conflict. As alternative routes through Croatia are explored, tensions between Ukraine, Hungary, and Slovakia persist due to energy supply disputes.