Hungary fights to keep Russian energy flowing despite EU phase-out plan

Hungary has voiced firm opposition to a new European Commission proposal aimed at phasing out Russian energy supplies across EU member states, describing the initiative as “hidden sanctions” against Moscow.

Gergely Gulyás, Minister of the Hungarian Prime Minister's Office, stated during a press briefing that Budapest is actively exploring legal avenues to block the implementation of the proposed measures, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

“We are looking for legal options that will prevent us from accepting this proposal of the European Commission,” Gulyás said, noting that the Hungarian government reviewed the initiative during its cabinet meeting and deemed it dangerous.

Gulyás emphasized that, contrary to the European Commission’s framing of the plan as a commercial adjustment, Hungary sees it as a veiled form of sanctioning Russia. “This plan is essentially hidden sanctions, not a commercial measure,” he remarked.

The Hungarian government contends that the Brussels proposal contradicts the EU’s 2022 agreement, which enshrined the right of all member states to independently determine their energy sources and suppliers.

Hungary, which remains heavily reliant on Russian oil and gas, has consistently opposed sanctions targeting the Russian energy sector, arguing that such measures would disproportionately harm its own economy without significantly altering the course of the conflict in Ukraine.

The dispute highlights ongoing divisions within the European Union over energy strategy and the bloc’s broader approach to relations with Russia amid continued geopolitical tensions.

On May 6, the European Commission unveiled a comprehensive roadmap outlining the phased withdrawal of Russian energy sources from EU markets. The plan envisions a gradual, coordinated, and secure reduction in the bloc’s reliance on Russian oil, natural gas, and nuclear energy. Under the framework, all member states are expected to develop and submit national strategies detailing their respective exit plans from Russian energy supplies by the end of 2025.

By Vafa Guliyeva