EU diplomats fuming: Hungary appeals to Brussels for Russian oil assistance
Due to a sanction imposed at the end of June, Ukraine halted Russian oil supplies to Hungary. This decision affected Slovakia as well, prompting both countries to seek help from the European Commission to ensure the uninterrupted flow of Russian oil. However, the European Commission turned down the request, which diplomats found outrageous.
The European Commission does not support Hungary
RTL reports that the European Commission has decided not to support Hungary and Slovakia in the ongoing Lukoil case, making a swift resolution of the dispute over Russian oil supplies, suspended by Ukraine, unlikely. During a recent meeting of EU trade representatives, 11 member states supported the Commission’s stance to refrain from taking immediate action on the Hungarian-Slovak initiative. Notably, no EU member state sided with Budapest and Bratislava in this matter.
Hungarian FM: Ukraine is blackmailing Hungary
Ukrainian sanctions imposed at the end of June have halted Russian Lukoil’s oil supplies to Hungary’s MOL via Ukraine, as Lukoil cannot lease the necessary pipeline network for transit. In response, Hungary‘s Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó threatened to block a EUR 6.5 billion arms transfer compensation from the European Peace Facility unless Lukoil is allowed to resume its shipments. Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak dismissed claims of blackmail, arguing that Hungary and Slovakia demand concessions for Russia while failing to support peace in Ukraine. He urged them to appeal to Moscow to cease attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
Meanwhile, European Commission spokesman Olof Gill indicated that the restriction on Russian oil supplies through Lukoil has no immediate impact on the EU’s oil supply, as Hungary and Slovakia have adequate reserves and continue receiving Russian oil via the Friendship pipeline.
EU diplomats fuming over Hungary’s request for Russian oil
As Politico reports, EU diplomats have criticised Hungary and Slovakia for seeking Brussels’ assistance with the Lukoil issue. Despite having over two years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine to reduce their dependency on Russian energy, both countries have made little effort to divest from Russian oil.
Now, they are appealing to the EU to honour the 2014 trade agreement with Kyiv and asking the European Commission to intervene on their behalf. EU officials find the request frustrating, noting that other member states have successfully replaced Russian imports, while Hungary and Slovakia, who have been busy circumventing EU sanctions, continue to rely heavily on Russian oil.
Meanwhile, European Commission spokesman Olof Gill indicated that the restriction on Russian oil supplies through Lukoil has no immediate impact on the EU’s oil supply, as Hungary and Slovakia have adequate reserves and continue receiving oil via the Friendship pipeline.
Read also:
- BREAKING: Ukraine blocks Russian oil imports to Hungary!
- Hungary may receive Russian oil via Croatia, but there’s a huge problem
Featured image: depositphoto.com
Bravo EU!
The MOL tower is the most penis-looking building on earth. According to Fidesz law, it should be wrapped in brown paper. Or maybe give it an oversized fig leaf.
Ukraine is now a hostile state and must be treated as such. Despicable. No more aid of any kind and Ukrainian refugees OUT.
As for the E.U., I am increasingly hard-pressed to see any significant benefits of our continued membership of it.
Wait. Is there a obligation for Ukraine to assist Hungary and Slovakia – as well as generating revenue for Russia in the process?
Odd position by our Politicians.
After a years long policy of non-stop hostility toward the EU suddenly Orban is running to them for help…
I keep thinking I can’t despise the Orban government more… and they keep proving me wrong.
Rightly.
Bought to this position of opinion AGAIN, negatives PILED on the name Hungary – through the name Victor Mihaly. Orban and the Fidesz Government of Hungary.
Orban – Hungary you are either in it – or just GET Out of it – the European Union – for as LONG as the name Orban, in the name of Hungary, tries to have INFLUENCE in any area or direction in the European Union – he will be SMASHED and rightfully HUMILIATED.
Orban – it grows, the MEHIR individual – standing alone for what his FACTUAL being/existence and PURPOSE exhibits in the “gigs” – the “veiled” roles he plays in the European Union.
Victor Mihaly. Orban – the “designer” – the driving force behind the DISTILLATION eradication of DEMOCRACY in Hungary – that through Orbans past and present opinions – is now a rightly “targeted” Political figure, that the POWER, the Forces – the Influence(s) of the European Union, supported by Global country’s Governed under DEMOCRACY – will bring Victor Mihaly. Orban – DOWN.
The Ukrainian government’s decision to cut off Russian oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia is a malicious and nuisance criminal act that deserves severe penalties.
The Hungarian government is only trying to advance peace negotiations to prevent further damage from war, and has not committed any attack or harm against Ukraine. Moreover, it has had normal relations with Russia since before the start of the SVO, and has not provided any support to Russia in this conflict.
Despite this, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister is using the strange excuse of “not telling Russia to stop its attacks” as a mere pretext to exert undue pressure that could have a negative impact on the lives of EU citizens in Hungary and Slovakia. How disgusting, he is!
EU lawmakers have a duty to protect the lives of EU people, but those who are unhappy with Hungary and Slovakia’s offer have completely forgotten this and are making a completely ridiculous mistake.
Firstly, these EU lawmakers have completely forgotten their obligations and are trying to cover up Ukraine, which is not yet a member state of the EU, for its criminal activities, endangering and impoverishing the lives of the people of Hungary and Slovakia, who have nothing to do with this conflict.
They are bad people who side with the bad guys and have no right to be EU lawmakers, rather than they should be tried as criminals.
It is outrageous that their animosity towards Russia has led them to foment war in order to receive favors from the globalists, and to neglect efforts to negotiate peace and promote regional stability in the EU. What shameless people these EU lawmakers are.
If you want to avoid being seen as a stupid, sly loser, try to help restore oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia.
Hungary’s past opposition to the EU has nothing to do with this issue. This is a humanitarian issue.