Hungary receives energy security guarantees from European Commission, FM says

Hungary has secured the energy security guarantees it requested from the European Commission ahead of the vote on extending sanctions against Russia.

The announcement was made by Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Péter Szijjártó, during the ongoing meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

In a statement on his official Facebook page, Szijjártó confirmed that Hungary had obtained the necessary assurances from the European Commission. The Commission has committed to safeguarding the gas and oil pipelines that supply EU member states, emphasizing that the integrity of energy infrastructure is considered a critical security issue for the entire European Union.

Additionally, the European Commission is seeking similar guarantees from Ukraine to ensure the continuation of oil supplies to the EU. This move is seen as a key step in ensuring the stability of Europe's energy security amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.

EU foreign ministers are currently in Brussels, deliberating on the extension of sanctions against Russia for an additional six months. Prior to the meeting, Hungary informed EU leadership that it requires energy security guarantees before agreeing to any decision regarding the sanctions extension. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó conveyed his country’s position to EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.

Szijjártó emphasized that Hungary’s voting stance would hinge on whether the European Commission provides assurances that it will take necessary actions whenever the energy security of EU member states is jeopardized from outside the Union.

Hungary regards several situations as potential threats to energy security, including Ukraine’s cessation of Russian gas transit, attacks on the Turkish Stream pipeline, and disruptions to oil supply through the Druzhba pipeline to Central European countries.

By Vafa Guliyeva