Hungary has launched diplomatic efforts in Washington in an attempt to avert potential US tariffs that could severely affect the country’s exports if new sanctions targeting buyers of Russian energy are approved.
Márton Hajdu, chairman of the Hungarian Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, said he held talks with members of both major US political parties and officials at the State Department to explain Hungary’s energy situation and the government’s plans to diversify its energy supplies.
US proposal could target top buyers of Russian energy
The discussions come after Daily News Hungary, among others, reported that a bipartisan proposal in the US Congress would impose tariffs of up to 100% on the world’s five largest buyers of Russian oil and natural gas if Russia fails to reach a peace agreement over Ukraine. Hungary is currently among the top five importers of both Russian pipeline gas and Russian oil.
Although the measure is still a legislative proposal and has not yet become law, it could have significant consequences for Hungary’s export-oriented economy if adopted.
Hungary asks US not to act too quickly
Speaking to Hungarian state news agency MTI after his meetings, Hajdu said he briefed American lawmakers on Hungary’s efforts since the change of government to reduce its long-standing dependence on Russian energy.
He said his counterparts acknowledged those efforts while also making clear that Washington expects Hungary to end its one-sided reliance on Russian energy supplies. Hajdu said he asked US officials to take into account that Hungary had already begun diversifying its energy mix following April’s parliamentary elections.
“Please consider that Hungary has already started the work of ending its one-sided dependence and balancing its energy supply, so do not take hasty steps,” Hajdu said.
According to the committee chairman, he gained understanding during the discussions and believes there is a good chance Hungary can avoid becoming subject to the proposed tariffs.
Broader security and economic issues also discussed
In addition to energy security, Hajdu said his meetings covered migration, the competitiveness of the Hungarian and European economies, global security challenges, Russia’s role in international affairs and China’s growing influence.
He also told his American counterparts that Hungary’s new government intends to restore the country as a reliable ally within NATO and the wider Western alliance, while continuing to pursue its national interests through cooperation with its partners.
Meetings with US think tanks
During his visit to Washington, Hajdu also met representatives from several leading US policy institutes, including The Heritage Foundation, Hudson Institute, Atlantic Council and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, discussing transatlantic relations and Hungary’s foreign policy priorities.
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What this means for Hungary
If the proposed US legislation were to pass in its current form, Hungary could face significant economic pressure because of its continued reliance on Russian oil and natural gas. The Washington talks suggest the Hungarian government is seeking to convince US policymakers that it has already begun reducing that dependence and should be given time to complete the transition rather than face immediate trade penalties.
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