Breaking: European Commission to hold extraordinary meeting after Hungary and Ukraine dispute

The European Commission has convened an extraordinary meeting of its Oil Coordination Group after a sharp escalation in an energy dispute involving Hungary, Slovakia and Ukraine.

As Euronews reported, the emergency talks come after Hungary and Slovakia halted diesel exports to Ukraine this week, citing delays in repairing the Druzhba oil pipeline, a crucial route that delivers Russian crude to both Central European states. The pipeline was damaged during a Russian attack on Ukrainian territory and has yet to resume operations.

Supply tensions deepen

Budapest and Bratislava accuse Kyiv of deliberately slowing repair works for political reasons, as both countries remain heavily dependent on Russian oil transported through the pipeline. In response, Ukraine has criticised the two EU members for refusing to reduce their reliance on Russian energy supplies. The dispute has further strained relations as winter conditions intensify Ukraine’s already fragile energy situation. Ongoing Russian strikes against infrastructure have caused widespread power outages and heating shortages across the country.

EU seeks to calm the situation

Commission officials stressed they remain in close contact with Ukrainian authorities regarding the repair schedule but insisted they are not exerting pressure on Kyiv. At the same time, Brussels expressed concern about Ukraine’s broader energy security, even though it says Hungary and Slovakia currently have sufficient fuel reserves and face no immediate supply risk. The extraordinary meeting, scheduled for next Wednesday, will also include representatives from Croatia. Discussions will focus on the impact of supply disruptions and possible alternative routes for oil deliveries.

Croatia is willing to help, but not the way Hungary wants it

Hungary has proposed increasing imports of seaborne Russian oil via Croatia’s Adriatic pipeline. However, Zagreb has signalled strong resistance, arguing that the infrastructure was designed to support independence from Russian energy rather than facilitate continued imports. Meanwhile, Hungary and Slovakia have warned they could expand their measures to electricity and gas supplies if pipeline repairs are not accelerated.

Croatian economy minister Ante Šušnjar has refused to allow his country to transport Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia via JANAF. At the same time, he indicated that Croatia is ready to help the two countries – exclusively with oil from non-Russian sources, in accordance with European Union legislation and OFAC rules.

Wider EU energy policy context

The standoff comes amid broader EU efforts to phase out Russian fossil fuels. Under legislation adopted in January 2026, all member states must gradually eliminate such imports by 2027. Both Hungary and Slovakia have formally challenged the rules, arguing that the transition would impose high economic costs due to limited alternative supply options.