Euro to rouble: Here is a solution that does not involve Hungary breaching EU sanctions
In the interest of ensuring the security of its energy supplies, Hungary will not support any proposal that places oil or gas imports under sanctions, Péter Szijjártó, the minister of foreign affairs and trade, said on the sidelines of a meeting of his European Union counterparts in Luxembourg on Monday.
Payment in roubles
Regarding the payment of energy supplies in roubles, he referred to “a solution” which did not involve Hungary breaching any EU sanctions. The contracts of the relevant companies on both sides were being amended accordingly, he said, adding that the contracts were a bilateral matter and Hungary did not see the need for the European Union to establish any joint action or coordinated position on the issue.
He said that the contracts of the companies concerned are being amended, although they already provide for the possibility of switching to a currency other than the euro for payments.
The Hungarian company (CEEnergy) will open two accounts with Gazprom Bank, so that payments will be sent in euros and converted into roubles by the Russian bank.
“Hungary will not allow anyone to make the Hungarian people pay the price of the war”, Szijjártó told the Hungarian media.
- You can read the article in Hungarian: Így fizetünk az orosz gázért euróban, ami rubellé változik
Arms deliveries
The Hungarian government does not object to other countries sending arms to Ukraine, but it will not send weapons itself, neither will it allow shipments by other countries to cross Hungary directly into Ukraine,
Szijjártó said. “This would seriously endanger the security of Hungary and its people”, he said.
On the subject of arms deliveries, the minister noted that many EU member states “want to comply” with Ukraine’s request for further lethal aid. The European Peace Facility is about to be raised by 500 million euros, he noted, adding that Hungary had not stood in the way of that decision, and would not stop other countries from delivering weapons to Ukraine. Hungary, he added, would not do so itself or allow deliveries through Hungary.
Szijjártó welcomed Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer’s visit to Moscow on Monday, saying that all personal meetings raised hope of a diplomatic resolution.
Slovak House Speaker theory
Commenting on Slovak House Speaker Boris Kollar’s accusation that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Russian President Vladimir Putin were planning to “divvy up” Slovakia (details HERE), Szijjártó said Hungary and Slovakia, two EU member states, were working on strengthening both bilateral ties and the European Union. Hungary is committed to preserving achievements already made while improving bilateral ties further, he said.
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The waters continue for Hungary to get MUDDIER.
This rouble matter, Hungary AGAIN contesting going outside the European Laws put in place called Sanctions – Hungary continues to Dangerously Test.
Hungary – will be th MASSIVE Loser – if it does not – embrace the European Laws.
What if – the “Might” and “Power” of the United States of America announced, that if you being Hungary – any Motor Vehicle that is produced in Factories in Hungary examples being Mercedes Benz & B.MW. – and there are “others” on the lands of Hungary inter-faced in car manufacturing, employing thousands of Hungarians – what if America – and they can – said to Hungary – we will CEASE the import of any Motor Vehicles or associated componentry for motor vehicles that are produced in Hungary.
Hungary “breaching” the European Laws on Sanctions – America could announce – that Hungary – payment offered in roubles and latest idiotic foolish idea – will be contested – your “plans” – to pay Russia for you muchly needed gas & oil supply.
Hungary – this is against European Union sanctions – which we the United States of America – FULLY endorse & support.
Hungary – the “converting” process to pay for your Oil & Gas supply – euro to rouble – this will meet with aggressive opposition from the United States of America – if you Hungary attempt or go down this path.
Hungary – the “Fine Line” it walks – with the European Union, NATO, Great Britain and the United States of America and the Global World – the end result for Hungary – Cataclymic.
REMEMBER – those citizens of Hungary who voted in favour for the return to office – to Govern Hungary – the Fidesz Party, under its Leader and present Prime Minister of Hungary – Victor Orban, the decision you made & Hungary made – its your OWNERSHIP & Responsibility – what is growing of concern in Hungary – an Economy that is in Monstrous, Dire, and Downward Trending – Trouble.
“The Hungarian company (CEEnergy) will open two accounts with Gazprom Bank, so that payments will be sent in euros and converted into roubles by the Russian bank.” That was arranged during a conversation between Olaf Schulz (Germany)
and Putin about 10 days ago and is the EU arrangement regarding these payments for all EU countries buying energy from Russia at present. Why is pip-squeak Szijjártó trying to make out that it is a Hungarian initiative? It is not. Hungary is simply doing what other nations dependent upon Russian supplies are doing.
…we have the usual story line, blame Hungary…..
@marievontheresa, we don’t all have the ‘benefit’ of living many thousands of miles away (Canada, in your case) and so see things as they really are and not in some idealised notion created from afar.