Hungary’s Foreign Minister, Péter Szijjártó, announced on March 6 that the European Commission (EC) has not sided with Hungary and Slovakia regarding their concerns about the suspension of Russian oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline. This response came ten days after the two countries sent a joint letter to the EC seeking clarification on the matter.
Szijjártó emphasized that the EC’s reply indicated no issues with oil supplies for Hungary and Slovakia, asserting that the Commission is prioritizing the interests of Ukraine over those of its EU member states. He criticized what he described as a collusion between Brussels and Croatia aimed at obstructing the maritime import of Russian oil to Slovakia and Hungary.
According to Szijjártó, both Hungary and Slovakia retain the legal right to purchase Russian oil delivered by sea, as they currently cannot receive it via pipeline. This aligns with the EU’s previous decisions, which made exceptions for pipeline oil from Russia. However, he accused the EC of conspiring with Croatia to block maritime oil supplies.
Describing the situation as “shameful and outrageous,” Szijjártó stressed the importance of winning upcoming elections to ensure that Hungary can maintain low energy costs and make sovereign decisions regarding its energy supply.
On the same day, the European Commission confirmed that Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico had requested a meeting with EC President Ursula von der Leyen regarding the issue. Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that Hungary would block a European loan of 90 billion euros for Ukraine until the transit through the Druzhba pipeline is restored. The Hungarian Minister of Energy also indicated that Hungary would consider legal action if the transit is not resumed within three days.
Hungary's Foreign Minister criticized the European Commission's response to the oil transit dispute, asserting that it favors Ukraine over EU member states. Both Hungary and Slovakia are considering legal actions and political measures in light of the situation.