Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has emphasized the critical role of the Turkish Stream pipeline in the nation’s energy supply, following a recent incident in Serbia where explosives were discovered. During a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, Orbán acknowledged the swift action of Serbian authorities in preventing a potential sabotage.
“This pipeline is essential; it is our lifeline. If it is cut, the Hungarian economy will halt, leaving hundreds of thousands of families without gas. This is why the events in Serbia are so serious. I want to thank the Serbian authorities for their rapid and effective response,” Orbán stated.
The Prime Minister warned that any disruption to the pipeline would render Hungary’s energy supply impossible. He reassured that, at present, the country’s energy supply is stable, but he noted that the upcoming weeks will be crucial for maintaining the stability of the energy system.
“If this pipeline is blocked, Hungary’s energy supply will be impossible,” he reiterated.
Orbán urged against using the energy situation for political gain during the election campaign, stressing the importance of verified facts before making accusations. He mentioned that Hungary’s armed forces are prepared to ensure the security of the pipeline and are implementing all measures as per the Defense Council’s decisions.
“We are in a very critical period. I advise everyone not to treat this as a campaign issue. I see that it is our opponents who are making it a campaign issue. Energy security is not a political matter; it is a governmental issue that requires calm and strategic composure,” he emphasized.
He also noted that investigations are ongoing, with the case now under the jurisdiction of the prosecutor’s office due to suspicions of sabotage.
“All facts we must consider are on the other side, and we will obtain them from there. I do not wish to further damage Ukrainian-Hungarian relations by accusing any country, such as Ukraine, without evidence. Therefore, I will refrain from doing so until we have facts,” he stated.
Despite his caution, Orbán suggested that the current situation aligns with a series of events, implying that Ukrainians might have the capability and willingness to act similarly.
He added that the incident fits into the broader context of the ongoing energy crisis in Europe, asserting that the stability of energy supplies and economies will depend on the strategic decisions made by continental leaders.
Details on the Turkish Stream Pipeline Incident
On April 5, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced the discovery of explosives along the section of the Turkish Stream pipeline connecting Serbia to Hungary. In response, Prime Minister Orbán convened an emergency council.
Meanwhile, opposition leader Péter Madyar accused Orbán and the Serbian government of attempting to orchestrate a false flag operation, claiming there were prior warnings about potential incidents occurring around Easter, just a week before Hungary’s elections.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has denied any involvement in the explosives found near the pipeline, suggesting that it is likely a “Russian operation under false pretenses” as part of Moscow’s interference in Hungary’s elections.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has highlighted the significance of the Turkish Stream pipeline following the discovery of explosives in Serbia. He reassured that Hungary's energy supply remains stable but warned of potential risks, urging against political exploitation of the situation.