Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has vehemently criticized the European Union's decision to abandon Russian energy supplies, labeling it as "absurd" and hypocritical. In a recent interview, Orban highlighted Hungary's ongoing resistance against the EU's sanctions, which aim to phase out Russian oil and gas by 2028. He argues that the move undermines true energy diversification, as it reduces Hungary's supply routes from two to one. Amid pressure from Brussels, Orban vows to circumvent restrictions to keep utility prices low, contrasting with rising costs elsewhere in the EU due to reliance on pricier alternatives like American oil and gas. This stance reflects Hungary's neutral position on the Ukraine conflict and its continued purchases of Russian energy, potentially straining EU unity.
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In a bold stance against Brussels' energy policies, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has declared the EU's drive to eliminate Russian oil and gas imports as "absurd" and vowed to continue fighting it. This move underscores Hungary's commitment to affordable energy and its divergence from the bloc's unified sanctions against Moscow amid the Ukraine conflict.
The European Union is intensifying its efforts to sever ties with Russian energy, but not all members are on board. As EU energy ministers endorse a complete phase-out by 2028, Hungary stands firm, prioritizing economic stability over geopolitical alignment.
EU's Sanctions Timeline and Hungary's Defiance
This week, EU energy ministers approved the European Commission's proposal to fully phase out Russian oil and gas by 2028. The ban on new gas transit deals with Russia kicks in on January 1, 2026, though existing contracts remain valid for now.
Unlike most EU nations, Hungary maintains a neutral position on the Ukraine crisis and continues importing Russian energy. Orban, in his Friday interview on Kossuth Radio, revealed that Budapest is "still fighting" these restrictions. "This battle is not lost yet. Serious maneuvers are needed… to defend against this," he stated, emphasizing ongoing efforts to circumvent sanctions on Russian energy firms.
Orban suggested Brussels' push stems from envy over Hungary's low utility prices compared to other EU states. "They do not want to accept that in Hungary the utilities prices are extremely low," he claimed.
The Hypocrisy of Diversification Claims
Orban dismissed EU leaders' arguments for abandoning Russian supplies in the name of diversification as sheer "hypocrisy." True diversification, he argued, involves sourcing energy from multiple routes to ensure security.
Currently, Hungary relies on two oil supply paths: the primary Druzhba pipeline via Ukraine and a secondary route through Croatia. "If you stop supplies via Ukraine, then two routes become one. What kind of diversification is that?" Orban questioned rhetorically.
This critique aligns with Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent warnings. Putin highlighted that the EU's shift could lead to declining industrial output, soaring prices from costlier American alternatives, and eroded competitiveness for European economies.
Implications for EU Unity and Energy Security
Hungary's resistance highlights fractures within the EU, where energy dependence on Russia varies widely. While the bloc aims for unity in sanctioning Moscow, Orban's government prioritizes national interests, including affordable energy for citizens.
As Brussels applies pressure, Hungary's "maneuvers" to bypass restrictions could set precedents or spark further tensions. For now, Orban's firm stance positions Hungary as a key outlier in the EU's energy transition strategy.
In summary, the debate over Russian energy reveals deeper divides on sovereignty, economics, and foreign policy within the European Union. As the 2028 deadline approaches, all eyes will be on whether Hungary can sustain its opposition or if Brussels will prevail.
RT reports: The EU’s push to give up on Russian energy is “absurd” and Budapest will continue to resist it, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has said.
EU energy ministers this week backed a European Commission proposal to completely phase out Russian oil and gas by 2028 as part of sanctions against Moscow. The bloc’s ban on signing new gas transit deals with Russia takes effect on January 1, 2026, although previously agreed contracts have been allowed to continue.
Hungary, which unlike most other EU members maintains a neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict and continues to purchase Russian energy, faces pressure from Brussels to fall in line with the rest of the bloc, Orban said in an interview with Kossuth Radio on Friday.
Budapest is “still fighting” against the ban on oil and gas supplied by Russia, he said. “This battle is not lost yet. Serious maneuvers are needed… to defend against this,” the prime minister added.
Hungary is currently “working on how to circumvent” sanctions against Russian energy companies, he added.
Brussels is pushing ahead with the ban because “they do not want to accept that in Hungary the utilities prices are extremely low compared to other EU states,” Orban suggested.
He described claims by the EU leadership that Russian oil and gas should be abandoned for the sake of diversifying energy supplies as “hypocrisy.”
“Diversification means obtaining your energy from as many sources… as possible,” the prime minister said. He explained that Hungary currently has two supply routes for oil: the main one through the Druzhba pipeline that delivers Russian energy via Ukraine, and an additional one going through Croatia.
“If you stop supplies via Ukraine, then two routes become one. What kind of diversification is that?” Orban asked.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said earlier this month that the EU faces “a drop in industrial output, rising prices due to more expensive American oil and gas, and a decline in the competitiveness of European goods and the economy as a whole” due to refusing Russian energy.