Azeri gas means the energy security of Hungary
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The increased natural gas production in Azerbaijan can play an important role in the energy security of Hungary and central Europe, Péter Szijjártó, the minister of foreign affairs and trade, said on Tuesday, adding that this required regional infrastructure developments supported by the European Union.
The severe energy crisis has made Azerbaijan more important for Europe, Szijjártó told a press conference held jointly with Azerbaijan’s economy minister, according to a foreign ministry statement. He argued that increased natural gas production in the South Caucasus country was the best option for Europe to diversify its gas supplies in the short and medium term.
“It has become clear to everyone that it’s no longer enough to just talk about so-called diversification, but it is something we are forced to do,” Szijjártó said. “If Europe can’t acquire new energy sources, if it can’t build new energy supply routes, then energy supply won’t be secure.”
It is in Hungary’s interest to incorporate Azeri energy sources into its energy mix as soon as possible, the minister said, adding that this required large-scale infrastructure developments in south-eastern and central Europe, too. New interconnectors have to be built and delivery capacities have to be increased, Szijjártó said. This requires EU support and resources, he added.
Szijjártó said Hungary has turned to the European Commission together with Bulgaria, Romania and Slovakia, asking Brussels to treat the matter as a priority and provide support for the developments needed to guarantee the region’s energy security.