Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has made it clear that Ukraine must reopen the gas pipeline it shut down earlier this year as a condition for Hungary to support the extension of European Union sanctions against Russia. Orbán emphasized that the pipeline, which previously transported Russian natural gas to Central Europe, including Hungary, is crucial for Hungary’s energy security. He pointed out that Hungary has lost 19 billion euros in the past three years due to the current sanctions on Russia.
The EU is set to discuss the extension of sanctions against Russia on Monday, January 27, 2025, in Brussels. If the sanctions are not extended, the current measures will expire on January 31. Orbán has indicated that Hungary may veto the sanctions extension unless Ukraine reopens the gas pipeline.
In addition to reopening the pipeline, Orbán has set two other conditions for his support:
- Cease Attacks on Alternative Gas Routes: Ukraine must stop military attacks on alternative gas routes, such as the TurkStream pipeline, which passes through the Balkans and is essential for Hungary’s gas supply.
- Guarantee Uninterrupted Oil Transit: Ukraine must provide assurances that it will not halt the transit of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline, which also passes through Ukrainian territory and is vital for Hungary’s oil needs.
Hungary relies on Russia for over 80% of its natural gas and oil. Orbán’s conditions reflect Hungary’s dependence on Russian energy supplies and its efforts to secure these resources amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The official decision on extending the EU sanctions must be made unanimously by the European Council. Hungary’s stance could spark significant discussions within the EU, potentially influencing the sanctions framework and energy policies across the bloc.
