Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban Urges the European Union to Rethink Russia Sanctions, Blaming Them for High Energy Costs and Hindering Economic Competition
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has called on the European Union to reconsider its sanctions on Russia, arguing that they are responsible for keeping energy prices elevated and undermining the bloc’s economic competitiveness. Speaking in a recent interview with Hungarian public radio, Orban emphasized the urgent need for lower energy costs.
“Energy prices must certainly come down. This means the sanctions should be reviewed because, under the current sanctions policy, energy prices cannot decrease,” Orban stated.
He further highlighted the economic disparity with the United States, noting that American companies pay only a quarter of what European countries are paying for gas and electricity. “This economic disadvantage cannot be offset in other ways,” he explained.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Orban has consistently voiced his opposition to the EU’s sanctions on Moscow and the financial and military aid provided to Ukraine. While Western European nations have taken significant measures to reduce dependence on Russian energy, Hungary continues to source 80-85% of its natural gas and 80% of its crude oil from Russia.
