EU Commission to continue gas supply talks with Ukraine, including Hungary, Slovakia

The European Commission has announced that it will continue discussions with Ukraine regarding natural gas supplies to Europe, with plans to include Hungary and Slovakia in these talks.

This statement was shared with EU diplomats on January 27 and was read out to EU ambassadors ahead of a meeting of foreign affairs ministers, which will address the renewal of sanctions against Russia, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

These sanctions, which require unanimous approval from all EU member states, are set to be renewed by January 31.

Hungary has been delaying the renewal of the sanctions, and it had not yet decided whether to proceed with the rollover. Prime Minister Viktor Orban expressed last week that the sanctions were damaging Hungary's economy and called for the resumption of gas supplies via Ukraine to ensure the EU's energy security.

In the statement, the European Commission confirmed its commitment to continuing discussions with Ukraine on the supply of gas to Europe, noting, "The Commission is ready to continue discussions with Ukraine on the supply to Europe through the gas pipeline system in Ukraine." The Commission also stated its willingness to involve Hungary and Slovakia in the ongoing process, adding, "The Commission is ready to associate Hungary in the process along with Slovakia."

The situation stems from the cessation of Russian gas supplies through Ukraine, which stopped on January 1 after a transit contract expired. Slovakia and Hungary have been advocating for the EU to take action and restore gas flows through a major pipeline, which is seen as crucial for the region’s energy stability.

As the deadline for renewing sanctions approaches, the EU faces increasing pressure to find a resolution that ensures both energy security and political unity among its member states.

By Vafa Guliyeva