Russia

Hungarian man violates sanctions against Russia, receives fine

A man from Sándorfalva (close to Szeged) was fined for attempting to import car parts worth HUF 35 million (EUR 84.5 thousand) from Russia in violation of EU sanctions imposed due to the war in Ukraine. The accused, who tried to conceal the Russian origin of the goods by involving a Belarusian company, admitted his guilt and reached a settlement with prosecutors. He was fined HUF 1 million (EUR 2,400), ordered to pay additional legal costs, and had the parts confiscated.

A man from the Szeged region faced charges on Wednesday for violating sanctions imposed on Russia, after he attempted to clear a shipment of car parts worth HUF 35 million, originating from Russia, through customs in October 2022. The parts were intended for free circulation, which would have allowed them to be sold and used in Hungary, Szegeder reported.

Hungarian man tried to bypass sanctions

The accused, identified as M. M., tried to conceal the Russian origin of the goods by introducing a Belarusian company into the supply chain. This act violated EU sanctions against Russia, which were enacted due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. These sanctions, as per the 833/2014/EU regulation, prohibit the purchase, import, or transfer of goods to the EU that could generate significant revenue for Russia, thereby enabling destabilising actions in Ukraine.

M. M., a seasoned trader with decades of experience in importing car parts from foreign companies to Hungary, had developed ties with various international businesses, facilitating the importation of goods from Russia. During the investigation, a settlement was reached between the defence and the prosecution. The prosecution suggested a fine of HUF 1 million, the confiscation of part of the evidence, and the payment of legal costs.

The defendant, acknowledging his guilt, agreed to the terms of the settlement. The Szeged Court approved the agreement, confirming the HUF 1 million fine, the confiscation of the car parts, and the payment of additional criminal costs amounting to approximately HUF 56,000 (EUR 135).

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Featured image: depositphotos.com

December 4, 2024

Hungarian FM Szijjártó: NATO must avoid risking collective defence over Ukraine membership

szijjártó nato collective defence ukraine

NATO’s collective defence should not be sacrificed or risked for any third country, Péter Szijjártó, the foreign minister, said in Brussels on Wednesday. “So it’s gratifying that no decision to invite Ukraine to join the defence alliance has been taken, as this could lead to a third world war,” he said.

At a press conference after a meeting of NATO foreign ministers, Szijjártó called the argument that Ukraine was fighting for European freedom and democracy “unbelievably blind”, adding that it was “fighting for its own freedom [and] sovereignty … which should be applauded but not confused with the idea that they are fighting for others.”

The idea that Ukraine, as a part of NATO, would enhance Europe’s security was “nonsense”, he said, adding that Hungary regarded any such invitation as risking a war between NATO and Russia.

Referring to Article 10 of the Washington Treaty stating that countries that can contribute to NATO’s security may be invited to join it, he said: “Clearly, this isn’t so right now in Ukraine’s case.”

He said the outgoing US administration and “pro-war politicians in Europe” had “launched another attack” to render a possible peace pact after January 20 impossible.

Szijjarto also noted that several ministers had demanded that Ukraine lower the conscription age, and this would lead to “even crueller conscription and the deaths of even more young Ukrainians on the front”.

Further, it was suggested at the meeting that new Ukrainian recruits should be trained and armed by NATO, he noted, adding that such proposals, including fresh arms shipments, would prolong the war, risk further escalation and be the cause of even more deaths.

Regarding the argument that peace talks should not be held now because Ukraine’s current battlefield position was unfavourable, the minister said that the situation was “persistently deteriorating”, and a lack of recognition of this state of affairs was feeding Ukrainians’ illusions. Talk of victory on the battlefield would do no more than “deceive and mislead people”, he added.

Szijjarto insisted that Hungary was “a reliable ally” that met its commitments to the alliance, spending more than 2 percent of its GDP on defence, while more than 1,000 Hungarian soldiers served in the alliance’s various missions.

Listing “red lines”, he said NATO must not be belligerent in the Ukraine-Russia war and it must avoid direct conflict with Russia.

Szijjarto said the meeting had confirmed that “the pro-war leaders remain determined, blinded, and … terrified of what will happen after January 20.”

“The lesson to be drawn is that the peace mission must be bolstered, diplomatic and communication channels kept open, and the option of rapid peacemaking preserved,” he said.

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December 4, 2024

Hungarian minister: We are working with the Russians on a solution to avoid US sanctions 🔄

Hungarian foreign minister met Lavrov in New York

European leaders have “missed a great opportunity” to amend their “failed” Ukraine strategy, and they should have doubled down on peace efforts amid the current danger of escalation, Péter Szijjártó, the foreign minister, said in Pécs, in southern Hungary. He also said that the Hungarian Foreign Ministry is working with the Russians to find a solution to avoid US sanctions.

Addressing a National Consultation campaign event on Monday evening, the minister said Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election had brought closer a peaceful resolution to the war, but the danger of escalation had also grown, “due to the measures of the outgoing Washington administration that ignore the will of the people”.

Szijjártó said EU leaders could have used the US developments as an excuse to amend their “failed Ukraine strategy, which is also weakening the continent”.

He said his latest visit to Moscow had been aimed at bolstering peace efforts and further guaranteeing Hungary’s energy security, as US sanctions against Gazprombank had put countries purchasing Russian energy resources in a difficult situation.

The background to this case is that the US introduced sanctions back in November, excluding 50 other Russian financial institutions from the international financial system in addition to Gazprombank. The measure is aimed at preventing the financing of the war in Ukraine. Gazprombank manages Gazprom’s finances, and all purchases and payments for energy are made through this bank.

“We are now working together on a solution with the Russians, company leaders and the deputy PM for energy…” Szijjártó said.

In a Facebook video on Monday, Szijjártó indicated from Moscow that a solution to the US sanctions on Gazprombank would soon be found, meaning that payments for natural gas, oil, and nuclear fuel purchased from Russia could be resolved.

According to experts, the solution is likely to be the insertion of a Turkish, Azeri, Arab, or possibly Serbian player in the payment chain, which would circumvent the US sanctions, Forbes said.

It is also interesting to note that since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, the Hungarian government has not reduced but drastically increased its purchases of Russian raw materials. Thus, Hungarian energy diversification is still far away, and there is no intention to do so.

He slammed the “hypocrisy of certain colleagues” who “regularly emphasised their support” ahead of EU foreign council meetings “but never stand by me in the debate”. “There is a great deal of hypocrisy in the world regarding the ties with the East, Russia as well as China,” he said.

Szijjártó praised Hungary’s policy of economic neutrality, which allowed the country to trade with Eastern and Western partners alike, “despite the ongoing discourse to decouple the European and Chinese economies.”

Read also – Slovak interior minister: Possible Hungarian terror attack against the Friendship crude oil pipeline

UPDATE

Solution to problems caused by US sanctions on Gazprombank close, says Hungarian minister – details HERE

December 3, 2024

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov again received the Hungarian Foreign Minister in Moscow 🔄

The Hungarian government must increase its efforts towards peace as the risk of escalation in the war in Ukraine is more serious than ever before, the Hungarian foreign minister said in Moscow on Monday, adding that efforts had to also be made to keep the channels of diplomacy open.

Lavrov

Sergei Lavrov began the meeting by saying in the first three minutes that Russia appreciates Viktor Orban’s “independent policy”, that they see Hungary’s sincere efforts to restore peace, and that he believes there is sustainable growth in both the Russian and Hungarian economies.

Szijjártó

At talks held with his Russian colleague, Sergei Lavrov, Péter Szijjártó underlined that the risk of escalation of the war “is more serious than ever before.”

“There have been many dangerous and irresponsible decisions made in the recent past that for a country neighbouring Ukraine, such as Hungary, pose particular threats,” he said.

He said the past one thousand days had proved that the war had no solution in the battlefield, it could only be ended through negotiations for which “the channels of diplomacy have to be kept open”.

“Those who close those diplomatic channels or attack those who keep them open do not really want peace,” he said.

Szijjártó said developing bilateral ties with Russia in areas not affected by sanctions “is a clear and open goal” of the Hungarian government.

Lavrov

Then, the Russian Foreign Minister took the floor again, but in the next 10 minutes or so, he did not give it to Szijjártó, so only Lavrov spoke.
The Russian Foreign Minister returned to the themes often voiced by Moscow, the situation in Ukraine, and spoke at length about how anyone who speaks out against peace does not even represent the interests of his own people, saying that they see the likes of Viktor Orban’s peace mission from China, South Africa and several Arab countries. He also criticised the Western double standards they see in Russia.

Practically every month there is a meeting between the Russian and Hungarian Foreign Ministers:

End of October – Szijjártó in Minsk: Record gas deliveries highlight Hungary’s energy cooperation with Russia
September: Hungarian foreign minister met again with Russian FM Lavrov to discuss cooperation

UPDATE

“Russia committed to maintaining Hungary energy supply”

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó said in Moscow on Monday that Russia will continue to deliver crude, gas, and nuclear fuel to Hungary in spite of new sanctions.

In a statement issued by his ministry, Szijjártó said he had held talks with Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak and a number of executives of energy industry companies and acknowledged the important role deliveries from Russia play in ensuring Hungary’s secure energy supply.

He added that the issue was not a “political matter” , but one of “physical reality” and of infrastructure.

“We have no intent of giving up this good cooperation. If for the only reason that nobody has given us a better offer. We know of no other energy sources that are more secure or more competitively priced,” he said.

Szijjártó said

the inclusion of Gazprombank on the United States’ sanctions list was an attempt to put countries in Central and Southeastern Europe that use Russian energy in a difficult position.

Discussing the matter on Monday, Deputy Prime Minister Novak and the energy company executives affected by the measure affirmed their interest in cooperation and the continuation of energy deliveries, he added.

“We’ve committed to finding a solution to the situation,”

he said. He added that the Hungarian government would do everything in its power to ensure the country’s secure energy supply.

He noted that other countries in the region were “in the same shoes” and were working together to resolve the situation.

December 2, 2024

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov again received the Hungarian Foreign Minister in Moscow

Lavrov

Szijjártó

At talks held with his Russian colleague, Sergei Lavrov, Péter Szijjártó underlined that the risk of escalation of the war “is more serious than ever before.”

“There have been many dangerous and irresponsible decisions made in the recent past that for a country neighbouring Ukraine, such as Hungary, pose particular threats,” he said.

“Those who close those diplomatic channels or attack those who keep them open do not really want peace,” he said.

Szijjártó said developing bilateral ties with Russia in areas not affected by sanctions “is a clear and open goal” of the Hungarian government.

Lavrov

Practically every month there is a meeting between the Russian and Hungarian Foreign Ministers:

End of October – Szijjártó in Minsk: Record gas deliveries highlight Hungary’s energy cooperation with Russia
September: Hungarian foreign minister met again with Russian FM Lavrov to discuss cooperation

UPDATE

“Russia committed to maintaining Hungary energy supply”

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó said in Moscow on Monday that Russia will continue to deliver crude, gas, and nuclear fuel to Hungary in spite of new sanctions.

He added that the issue was not a “political matter” , but one of “physical reality” and of infrastructure.

Szijjártó said

the inclusion of Gazprombank on the United States’ sanctions list was an attempt to put countries in Central and Southeastern Europe that use Russian energy in a difficult position.

“We’ve committed to finding a solution to the situation,”

he said. He added that the Hungarian government would do everything in its power to ensure the country’s secure energy supply.

He noted that other countries in the region were “in the same shoes” and were working together to resolve the situation.

December 2, 2024

Slovak interior minister: Possible Hungarian terror attack against the Friendship crude oil pipeline

The Slovak interior minister, Šutaj Eštok, talked about a possible terror attack against the Friendship crude oil pipeline. The pipeline delivers Russian crude to Central Europe via Ukraine, and the destinations include Slovakia and Hungary. The minister talked about the possible threat in a debate broadcast by the Slovak public media.

According to the local Hungarian newspaper Új Szó, Šutaj Eštok (Hlas party) said that Slovak authorities found traces pointing toward preparations of a possible terror attack against the country’s critical infrastructure. According to Slovak intelligence services, even organised groups active in Hungary are involved. His debate partner, Juraj Krúpa (SaS), voiced his scepticism concerning the issue, saying that Eštok is trying to calm the public, showing that they are doing what they can to protect the critical infrastructure.

The Friendship crude oil pipeline was built between 1959 and 1964. It connects Russia with Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. It goes through Ukraine, and it’s mainly the Hungarian MOL (and its subsidiary in Slovakia) that processes the crude coming through it.

Hlas is a Social Democratic party founded by former PM Peter Pellegrini and dissidents of the Smer (Direction – Social Democracy). They agreed to form a coalition government with Robert Fico’s Smer and the Slovak National Party in October 2023. Fico seems to be a big friend of PM Orbán, supporting him in several European and global issues, including the urge to end the war in Ukraine.

Robert Fico Viktor Orbán new ally oil transit citizenship agreement — Fico and Orbán in Budapest. Photo: FB/Viktor Orbán

Hungarian schools may close or be merged

According to Telex, a proposal would close or merge 16 Hungarian schools in Slovakia due to optimisation. It’s not only Hungarian schools that are involved, as Telex reported that the proposal affects Slovakian schools where the number of children is low.

Based on Napunk, a local Hungarian media outlet, the Fico cabinet has already discussed the proposal with experts but not the institutions.

Before, we wrote about a bill by the cultural ministry that would ban Hungarian language use on trains, buses, trams, and post offices. PM Fico said that his government would not support any setbacks concerning the rights of the indigenous national minorities in Slovakia.

Read also:

Slovak PM Fico may sacrifice his good relations with PM Orbán to keep his governing coalition
According to FM Szijjártó, there is no threat to Hungarian minority language rights in Slovakia

November 30, 2024

European Parliament condemns PM Orbán’s visit to Georgia

The European Parliament recently adopted a resolution strongly criticising the fairness and democratic nature of the parliamentary elections in Georgia.

The vote, which took place on the 26th of October, was considered neither free nor fair, as serious abuses and irregularities were observed. The EP says these problems represent a serious setback in the country’s democratic development and are clearly the responsibility of the ruling Georgian Dream party.

A number of irregularities were observed during the elections, including voter intimidation, ballot stuffing and media interference. Manipulation of electronic voting systems was also reported, which particularly undermines the credibility of the electoral process. The EP considers that the results announced by the Central Election Commission of Georgia do not reflect the true will of the Georgian people.

Hungarians stuck in Israel because Orbán cabinet travelled to Georgia — Photo: FB/Viktor Orbán

New elections and international supervision

According to 444, some Members of the European Parliament called for fresh elections to be held within a year, under international supervision and with an independent electoral administration. Under the current circumstances, the EU and other international actors should not recognise the election results as they undermine the basic principles of democracy, stated the European Parliament.

As part of the resolution, the EP proposes that EU Member States introduce targeted sanctions against Georgian political leaders and officials. These sanctions would target those responsible for violating democratic standards, abusing state power and subordinating institutions to party interests.

The European Parliament is proposing a tougher approach to relations between the EU and the Georgian government. Recent anti-democratic laws, such as the ‘Foreign Influence Law’, have led Georgia to virtually halt its EU integration efforts. The Parliament stresses that the actions and policies of the Georgian authorities are incompatible with Euro-Atlantic integration.

According to the European Parliament, Russia is playing an important role in Georgia’s democratic process. It is trying to discourage Georgian society with disinformation campaigns, such as the narrative that the opposition, under Western control, would lead the country to war. The EP warns Georgia that attempts to ban political parties would further damage the country’s relations with the EU.

Viktor Orbán and Georgia

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s visit to Georgia has drawn sharp criticism from the European Parliament. Orbán congratulated the Georgian Dream party before accepting the official results of the elections and praised the close cooperation with the ruling party. According to the EP, the visit violated the EU’s common foreign policy position and undermined common European action.

Orbán Viktor Georgia — Source: Facebook / Viktor Orbán

In Georgia, many protested against electoral fraud, while Viktor Orbán’s visit was not unanimously welcomed. However, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó sharply criticised EU foreign ministers and defended the Georgian elections.

The European Parliament’s resolution is not only about the situation in Georgia but also about the commitment of the EU and its member states to democratic values. The events in Georgia are a warning that the integration process can only be successful if the countries concerned respect the principles of democracy and the rule of law. Georgia’s fate is of vital importance not only to its own citizens but also to the European community.

Read also:

Featured image: depositphotos.com

November 30, 2024

Three Ukrainian men rescued from freezing Tisza River in Hungary while attempting to flee mobilisation

The Ukrainian border security service has reported a growing trend of men of conscription age attempting to cross the border into Hungary and Romania, often putting their lives at risk. Many of them are using dangerous routes, such as crossing the woods or swimming through the frigid waters of the Tisza River, which forms the boundary between Ukraine and these two countries.

In a recent case, three Ukrainian men, attempting to escape military mobilisation, nearly froze to death while trying to cross into Hungary via the Tisza River, Russian news agency TASS reported. According to the Ukrainian state border service, the men had been relying on smugglers’ promises to help them cross the river, but things went terribly wrong. The men became trapped in the icy waters but were fortunate enough to find safety by clinging to a fallen log. They were later rescued by border security officers.

The border security service has reported numerous incidents where men of recruitment age have risked their lives in similar attempts to flee Ukraine. Many of them pay smugglers thousands of dollars for guidance, though these “guides” often only transport them to the border and point them in the right direction, with little further assistance.

Tragically, the bodies of those who fail in these dangerous crossings are frequently discovered along the Tisza’s shores.

Since the start of the war in February 2022, Ukraine has enforced martial law and universal mobilisation, which has been extended several times. The Ukrainian government has been taking extreme measures to prevent men from avoiding conscription, prompting many young men to risk dangerous journeys in hopes of escaping military service. This desperation intensified after President Zelensky signed a law on 16 April 2024, which increased the pool of eligible men for the draft, adding to the already overwhelming pressure.

Read also:

November 27, 2024

POLITICO: The price MOL would accept to abandon Russian oil in Hungary

MOL faces a pivotal crossroads as Hungary’s oil company navigates EU sanctions, costly refinery upgrades, and a race against time to end reliance on Russian crude—if Brussels agrees to help foot the bill.

Is MOL ready to give up on Russian oil?

As Politico writes, Hungary is willing to end its reliance on Russian oil by late 2026, provided the European Union contributes financial support, according to MOL Group, the country’s leading oil and gas company. György Bacsa, MOL‘s executive vice president for strategic operations, highlighted the USD 500 million (EUR 474 million) cost of adapting its refineries, including Hungary’s sole facility processing Russian crude, to handle alternative supplies.

While the EU has set an informal 2027 deadline for phasing out Russian oil, the Hungarian oil company is seeking “a couple of hundred million” in EU funding to accelerate the transition. The Hungarian oil company also operates refineries in Slovakia that process Russian crude, underscoring the broader regional impact of diversification efforts.

MOL Campus at night Russian oil — The MOL Tower in Budapest. Photo: FB/MOL Campus

Lack of EU financial support

Hungary’s reliance on Russian oil persists, with MOL continuing imports under a long-term contract with Russia’s Lukoil, set to expire in mid-2024. György Bacsa, the company’s executive vice president, emphasised that Hungary’s refining sector currently receives no EU financial support for transitioning away from Russian crude, despite the EU’s focus on energy security. While Hungary remains one of the few EU countries exempt from the 2022 ban on seaborne Russian oil imports, its dependence has increased, even as other Central European nations reduce theirs.

Bacsa expressed concern over potential EU sanctions tightening without accounting for Hungary and Slovakia’s reliance on Russian oil. He warned that new policies, like the roadmap of incoming EU energy chief Dan Jørgensen, must address regional disparities, as Western Europe’s energy transition pace does not reflect Hungary’s challenges. Meanwhile, the Hungarian oil company continues sourcing discounted Russian crude and negotiating future supply deals if legally permissible.

Trouble with navigating sanctions

The Hungarian oil giant, partially owned by the government, has faced challenges navigating EU sanctions and geopolitical tensions. While windfall taxes imposed by Budapest on MOL generate significant revenue for the state, the firm’s reliance on Russian oil remains under scrutiny. In July, the Hungarian oil company resolved a crisis when Ukraine sanctioned Lukoil by agreeing to reclassify Russian oil as Hungarian once it crossed into Ukraine, securing supply continuity. However, this workaround may face opposition from the EU, as briefing documents for incoming energy commissioner Dan Jørgensen suggest MOL’s imports through Ukraine could still be classified as Russian oil, potentially complicating Hungary’s energy strategy.

Read also:

November 25, 2024

Russia’s vision for Ukraine in 2045 might include Hungary – What’s the endgame for Moscow?

Map Ukraine Hungary Transcarpathia Russia Romanian rector

The Russian Ministry of Defence has outlined an ambitious strategy extending to 2045, which not only addresses the ongoing conflict in Ukraine but also seeks to fundamentally alter the global balance of power.

According to Portfolio, Moscow intends to engage US leadership in initiating discussions to reconfigure global politics. A central component of this strategy is the dismantling of Ukraine as a sovereign state—a move that could upend the post-Second World War international order. On the platform X, a map has already been published illustrating how Russia envisions dividing Ukraine, effectively splitting the country into three parts.

Russia 2045 map — Source: X / jamiemcintyre21

Proposed partition of Ukraine

According to Portfolio, the plan envisions a division of Ukraine into three distinct parts:

Eastern Regions Annexed to Russia:

The regions of Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Luhansk—already partially occupied by Russia—would be permanently annexed. Moscow has held so-called “referendums” in these areas, though their legitimacy is widely disputed.

A Pro-Russian Puppet State in Central Ukraine:

Central Ukraine, including Kyiv, would fall under the control of a pro-Russian government. This region would encompass significant cities such as Odessa, Kharkiv, and Dnipro, though its political and economic autonomy would remain tightly constrained by Moscow.

Western Ukraine Divided Among Neighbours:

The western regions—spanning eight provinces—would be distributed among Poland, Hungary, and Romania. Such a proposal not only violates Ukraine’s sovereignty but also risks destabilising Central Europe, with far-reaching geopolitical consequences.

The scenarios also discuss the potential global order under various outcomes. In the event of a Russian victory, Moscow envisions a world divided into spheres of influence shared among major powers. A less structured scenario foresees regional powers rising as global structures weaken, resulting in increased instability. One scenario assumes Russian defeat, consolidating the dominance of the United States and its allies. Another outcome predicts Russia’s defeat, with China emerging as the dominant global power, both economically and politically.

Budapest International book festival putin — Source: depositphotos.com

Redefining the World Order

At the heart of these plans lies Moscow’s ambition to supplant the US-led post-Second World War global order, which it criticises as favouring Western monopolies on political and economic power. To this end, Russia has reportedly convened several meetings in 2022 and 2023, exploring ways to dismantle the US-dominated global financial system.

This vision threatens not only Ukraine’s sovereignty but also risks destabilising Hungary and other Central European nations. The redrawing of borders could trigger significant political and social upheaval, with implications far beyond the immediate region.

Moscow’s plans reveal that the conflict in Ukraine extends well beyond local or regional disputes—it is part of a larger ambition to redefine the global order. The proposed dismemberment of Ukraine and the shift in global power structures pose profound challenges for the international community, raising questions that will shape geopolitics for decades to come.

Read also:

November 24, 2024

Hungarian foreign minister outrages for US sanctions against Putin’s Gazprombank

The inclusion of Russia’s Gazprombank on a United States sanctions list is an intentional step to jeopardise the secure energy supply of countries in Central and Eastern Europe, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó said in a post on Facebook on Friday.

“If anybody wants to jeopardise our energy supply security, either with sanctions or by shutting down transit deliveries, we consider it an attack on our energy sovereignty,” Szijjártó said. “We reject any attacks on our sovereignty; we will not bow to pressure and will not give up our national interests,” he added.

Szijjártó said Hungary was working with its partners on a solution and would meet with the energy ministers of Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria and Serbia to discuss the situation in Istanbul on Friday, adding that consultations with Slovakia were also underway.

Regional cooperation condition for ensuring secure energy supply, says FM Szijjártó

Hungary must closely cooperate with Serbia, Bulgaria and Turkiye to find a solution to ensure secure energy supply amid external pressure, Szijjártó said at the Istanbul Energy Forum on Friday.

In a statement issued by his ministry, Szijjártó said secure energy supply was a matter of national security and sovereignty, but also about physical reality, removed from politics or ideologies. He added that energy mixes were for every nation to decide and any interference in that area was politically or economically motivated.

Szijjártó Istanbul energy forum Gazprombank — Photo: FB/Szijjártó

Endangering a country’s secure energy supply with sanctions or by blocking energy deliveries is an attack on national sovereignty, he said. “We reject all such initiatives which are especially heinous when they come without prior notice,” he added.

Szijjártó noted that the United States’ outgoing government had placed Russia’s Gazprombank on a sanctions list, which could pose a challenge for some countries in Central and Southeastern Europe.

“Therefore, we, the countries of the region, must and will closely work together to find a solution to ensure the secure energy supply of our countries amid the changed circumstances, regardless of any external pressure and attacks,” he said. He praised Serbia, Bulgaria and Türkiye for being dependable transit countries for energy deliveries. “We are not ready to swap dependable partners, especially if we haven’t got any better offer,” he added.

Read also:

Opposition Tisza Party: Key to Hungary’s sovereignty is ending Russia energy dependence – details in THIS article
Hungarian MOL strengthens ties with KazMunayGas to boost Kazakh oil and gas cooperation – read more HERE

November 23, 2024

Hungary stands firm on Russian energy: FM Szijjártó defends sovereignty amid EU criticism

Sergey Lavrov and Péter Szijjártó Russian energy

The state will only relinquish a reliable and competitively priced energy source if a better deal is on offer, and so far none is available to replace Russian energy, the minister of foreign affairs and trade said on Thursday.

Hungary insists that the composition of its energy mix should remain an exclusive national competence, the ministry quoted Péter Szijjártó as saying at a press conference after a European Union council meeting on trade affairs in Brussels.

“So we reject any attempt to influence how, from where and from whom we buy energy,” he said.

“It is a matter of national security and sovereignty. The security of energy supplies is a part of national security, and we will not accept any interference in discussions of energy security issues,” he added.

Szijjártó expressed satisfaction with energy cooperation with Russia. “I can only talk about my own experiences rather than others’, and I also expect others not to talk about mine.”

“Our experience is that Russia is a reliable supplier. We have always received the contracted volume, we have always received it at the agreed price and at the agreed time,” he added.

“Some of those who proudly beat their chest about how they are phasing out Russian energy still buy the energy in a roundabout way,” Szijjártó said.

He said sanctions policy was marked by “great hypocrisy”. “We are constantly getting a pounding here in Brussels for not disconnecting ourselves from Russian energy… But if you look at how Russian LNG supplies have been increasing, then you can see that, for instance, France has increased its Russian LNG imports by 110 percent in six months. Some 87 percent of Russian LNG arriving in Western Europe goes to France, Belgium and Spain,” he added.

Read also:

November 21, 2024

Ex-US Ambassador: Trump could broker respect between Putin and Zelensky, praises Orbán’s efforts for peace

David Cornstein viktor orbán united states russia ukraine trump

US President-elect Donald Trump knows Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky well and if he reaches out to them, the Russian and the Ukrainian presidents will both show respect towards the United States, the former US ambassador to Hungary said in an interview with public television broadcast on Wednesday evening.

Referring to Trump’s pledge towards peace in Ukraine, David Cornstein said Zelensky was fully aware that “the entire ammunition is coming from the United States” which was why he said it would be worth listening to Trump’s advice.

David Cornstein viktor orbán united states russia ukraine — David Cornstein and Viktor Orbán. Photo: Wikimedia Commons/U.S. Embassy in Hungary

Ending the war is also in the interest of central Europe, and a priority issue for Trump, Cornstein said. No country has the right to invade another independent state, said the former ambassador, adding that “it is unacceptable”.

He noted that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán had made efforts right from the beginning to have the warring sides sit down for talks, adding that the whole world should have followed suit.

Speaking about the close ties between Orbán and Trump, Cornstein said both of them “are very strong leaders governing along the same principles”. Also, they fully agree on cardinal issues such as migration, the importance of family and the economy, as well as the state’s role in those ares, he added.

The former ambassador said that under the Biden administration there had not been any dialogue between the US ambassador and the Hungarian government. “But, if invited, Trump would most certainly pay a visit to Hungary,” he said.

Read also:

November 21, 2024

PHOTOS: Budapest’s Chain Bridge lights up in solidarity with Ukraine

Budapest’s landmark Chain Bridge is illuminated with the colours of the Ukrainian flag with the message “we must not lose our moral compass and we must not lose our friends”, Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony said.

Karácsony noted on Facebook that “the most destructive war in Europe since the second world war” has been underway for a thousand days.

He said there was no moral or political excuse for Putin-led Russia’s total war against Ukraine. “Standing on Ukraine’s side cannot be a matter of deliberation or calculation, only a matter of conviction,” he added.

Since the first days of the war, Budapest has been “trying to maintain the closest possible cooperation” with international and Hungarian partners that organise humanitarian aid, including the capitals of the Visegrád region, local councils from Transcarpathia and UNICEF, he said.

Read also:

November 20, 2024

Hungarian Defence Minister: Diplomacy ‘only solution’ to end war

Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky Defence Minister

Diplomacy is the only solution to end the war in Ukraine, Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky said on Tuesday after a meeting of European Union defence ministers in Brussels.

Defence Minister talks about the war in Ukraine

Szalay-Bobrovniczky said Hungary was still being attacked for its “pro-peace” stance calling for an immediate ceasefire and peace talks. He also called for a strategic debate “as the approach employed so far is not working. Despite weapon deliveries and other military support, the front is moving increasingly swiftly to the west rather than withdrawing towards the east,” he said.

The result of the US presidential election may bring “definitive change to policy” and a pro-peace approach, he said.

Szalay-Bobrovniczky said the war was threatening with escalation “any day”.

“As long as there is armed conflict, events can get out of control.”

Measures such as moving the EU training of Ukrainian soldiers to Ukraine, and member states allowing the country to use weapons delivered by them on Russian territory could also threaten with escalation, he said.

Regarding a recent cyber-attack on Hungary’s National Defence Purchase Agency (VBU), the minister said an international team of hackers had stolen data from the company for financial gain. The attack was not perpetrated by a foreign secret service, he said. VBU is a company conducting purchases, and its servers “are not, were not and never will be” connected to the system of the Hungarian Armed Forces or the Defence Ministry, he said.

“The stolen data may violate business confidentiality but does not threaten national security,” he said.

“After the incident, we have filed a police report, strengthened cyber-protection and information-security procedures and are closely monitoring the case,” Szalay-Bobrovniczky said.

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November 20, 2024

Serbia’s big energy move: Partnering with Hungary’s Paks Nuclear Plant

The Paks Nuclear Power Plant plays a pivotal role in Hungary’s energy sector as its sole operational nuclear facility. Comprising four VVER-440 reactors built with Soviet-era technology, Paks generates nearly half of Hungary’s electricity. Over the years, the plant has undergone significant upgrades, boosting its capacity to 2,000 MW.

The future of Hungarian nuclear energy lies in the Paks II expansion project, which aims to construct two additional 1,200 MW reactors designed by Russia. Funded through a combination of a Russian state loan and Hungarian resources, this project has received European Commission approval. The primary aim is to enhance energy independence as the existing reactors approach the end of their operational lifespan by the late 2030s.

The benefits of nuclear energy

Hungary’s nuclear ambitions are not without challenges. While nuclear energy is promoted as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution, the Paks II project has faced criticism over financial transparency and potential cost overruns. Critics are also concerned that the focus on nuclear energy might divert funding away from renewable energy initiatives. Furthermore, public support for nuclear energy has waned since the Fukushima disaster, further complicating the discourse.

Paks Nuclear Power Plant (Copy) — Photo: FB/Paks NPP

The Paks Nuclear Power Plant’s new partner: Serbia

According to Szabad Európa, Serbia is looking to diversify its energy portfolio, with President Aleksandar Vučić recently revealing plans to acquire up to a 10% stake in Hungary’s Paks Nuclear Power Plant. During a visit to Budapest, Vučić proposed the idea to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, emphasising that Belgrade would be prepared to pay the full market price for the stake. However, the Hungarian government has yet to respond.

This move aligns with Serbia’s broader goal of reducing its heavy reliance on coal-fired power plants and Russian natural gas. Despite lacking its own nuclear power facilities, Serbia has been making strides in energy diversification. The country has expanded its gas network, including connections to the Bulgarian pipeline, which offers access to Azerbaijani gas, and the LNG terminal in Alexandroupoli, Greece.

Serbia’s interest in the Paks Nuclear Plant could signal a new chapter in Hungarian-Serbian collaboration. However, it remains unclear whether Vučić’s proposal pertains to the existing Paks plant or the upcoming Paks II project. For Hungary, the potential involvement of a foreign partner introduces strategic and geopolitical considerations, especially given the Russian ties underpinning the Paks II project. Serbia’s overture not only reflects its pragmatic approach to energy diversification but also highlights the evolving dynamics of regional energy politics. As Hungary evaluates this proposal, the outcome could reshape the energy landscape in the Balkans and beyond.

This is not the first time a foreign country has become involved with the Paks Nuclear Power Plant. As we detailed in a previous article, both France and Russia are also set to contribute by supplying fuel rods for the facility. This underscores the growing international collaboration centred on the plant, further establishing it as a focal point of multinational efforts in the energy sector.

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November 19, 2024

Russian gas supplies to Austria disrupted: Will this threaten Hungary’s gas supply?

oil and gas pipeline Russian oil mol Hungary's gas supply

As Russian gas supplies to Austria face disruptions over pricing disputes, concerns mount for Hungary’s gas supply, which still heavily relies on Russian imports. Despite a significant decline in Russia’s market share since the Ukraine conflict, Hungary remains one of the countries maintaining substantial purchases. This situation underscores the challenges in the European gas market, where geopolitical tensions and rising prices are pushing nations to seek alternative energy sources. What will happen to Hungary’s gas supply?

Pricing disputes

As Reuters reports, Russian gas supplies to Austria were disrupted for a second consecutive day on Sunday due to pricing disputes, prompting other European buyers to acquire the unsold volumes. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges within the European gas market and the collective efforts to diminish reliance on Russian energy sources. Historically, prior to the war in Ukraine, Russia was the predominant gas supplier to Europe; however, it has since lost a significant portion of its clientele across the continent. Despite these shifts, countries such as Slovakia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic continue to import substantial amounts of Russian gas, while Italy and Serbia maintain smaller volumes.

The region’s gas supply

As Pénzcentrum writes, Gazprom has halted gas supplies to OMV, the Austrian energy company, following OMV’s threat to seize gas as compensation in a contractual arbitration dispute. Consequently, deliveries to Austria were also suspended on Sunday, although total daily gas deliveries to Europe via Ukraine remained stable at 42.4 million cubic metres. The Slovak state-owned company SPP confirmed its ongoing imports of Russian gas and noted an increase in demand from other European buyers, indicating that interest in Russian gas persists despite the geopolitical tensions.

The situation surrounding Hungary’s gas supply is particularly noteworthy, as Russian gas remains a more cost-effective option compared to alternatives. Austrian officials have stated they possess sufficient gas reserves to manage the shortfall and can source additional supplies from Germany and Italy if needed. As colder temperatures drive up heating demands, European countries are withdrawing from gas storage facilities earlier than in previous years, intensifying the urgency for reliable energy sources.

What will happen to Hungary’s gas supply?

Concerns regarding Hungary‘s gas supply are intensifying as supply and weather factors threaten gas stocks at the end of winter. Aldo Spanjer, Chief Commodity Strategist at BNP Paribas, noted that significant volumes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) may need to be procured during the summer to meet the European Union’s storage targets. The European benchmark price for gas at the Dutch TTF hub recently reached EUR 45.72 per megawatt-hour, the highest in nearly a year, signalling market tension and worries about future supplies.

As Russia’s market share declines due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Hungary remains reliant on Russian gas, particularly if Ukraine ceases its transit route by year-end. In such a scenario, Hungary’s gas supply will predominantly depend on imports from Slovakia and a new pipeline running through Turkey. This shift is crucial as Gazprom’s remaining supplies to Europe are expected to diminish, necessitating that Hungary adapt its energy strategy to secure reliable sources amidst rising prices and increased competition for LNG across Europe.

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Featured image: depositphotos.com

November 18, 2024

Ukrainian county inhabited by Hungarians, Transcarpathia, under Russian attack!

Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó and Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky have reported a Russian drone and missile attack on Transcarpathia, Ukraine’s westernmost region, home to at least 100,000 Hungarians. These Hungarians did not migrate to the area; they have lived there for generations as part of an indigenous community.

Hungarian ministers provide updates on the Russian attack

According to Telex, Russia launched its deadliest missile attack on Ukraine today, which also affected Transcarpathia. Until now, this Ukrainian region had largely been spared from the military consequences of the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war.

Transcarpathia, under Russian attack — Photo: Anadolu News Agency

Foreign Minister Szijjártó wrote in a Facebook post that Russian missiles struck just a few kilometres from the Hungarian-Ukrainian border. He reported no casualties or injuries but urged international decision-makers to intensify efforts towards achieving peace, as each passing day brings more devastation and risks global escalation.

Defence Minister Szalay-Bobrovniczky wrote that the situation was being closely monitored, with radar surveillance heightened. He noted that Hungary’s and NATO’s aerial emergency units have been placed on standby. He also stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire to ensure the safety of Hungarians in the region.

Two Russian missiles shot down

According to Telex, Ukrainian defence forces intercepted two Russian missiles over Pósaháza (Pavsino) and Feketepatak (Csornyij Potik). The debris landed in nearby woods. Notably, Feketepatak is only 20 kilometres from the Hungarian-Ukrainian border, and almost 95% of its population is Hungarian.

Telex has sought further details from the Hungarian Defence Ministry and Foreign Ministry, including inquiries about Hungary’s preparedness for potential attacks on Transcarpathia and its Hungarian community. As of yet, no responses have been received.

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Transcarpathian Hungarians at risk: Russian strikes threaten secret Ukrainian facility just 12 km from Hungarian border – read more HERE
Transcarpathia annexed to Hungary? Map revealed by Russian Security Chairman

Featured image: illustration, source: Anadolu News Agency

November 17, 2024