Hungarian minister: Ukraine ‘blackmailing’ Hungary and pro-peace states
By halting the transit of crude oil to Hungary and Slovakia, Ukraine is blackmailing the countries that consistently speak out in favour of an immediate ceasefire and peace talks, the head of the Prime Minister’s Office said on Friday.
Speaking at a government press briefing, Gergely Gulyás said Ukraine’s “blackmail” of Hungary and Slovakia for their pro-peace positions was “unfair” and in violation of its agreements with the European Union.
He said this posed a serious danger to the security of Hungary’s and Slovakia’s energy supply. “There’s no need to panic right now because our reserves are at a high level,” Gulyás said, adding however that the situation must be resolved by September.
Ukraine oil delivery curbs breach EU agreement
Ukrainian restrictions on crude deliveries breach numerous provisions of the EU association agreement, János Bóka, the EU affairs minister, told a government news briefing on Friday.
When it comes to cases requiring urgent measures, the European Commission will launch a consultation process with Ukraine within three days at the initiative of member states, though arbitration can also be initiated in the absence of a satisfactory outcome, the minister said.
Hungary is also examining whether the crude delivery restrictions breach WTO and Energy Charter rules, Bóka added.
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