Hungary is threatening to block EU sanctions against Russia, citing €19 billion in losses and accusing Brussels of failing to uphold energy security commitments, Prime Minister Viktor Orban warned.
Hungary Threatens to Block EU Sanctions on Russia, Citing 19 Billion Euros in Losses
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EU’s Russia Sanctions at Risk—Hungary Says Economic Damage Is Too High
Hungary is prepared to block any further extension of European Union sanctions against Russia if the European Commission does not uphold its energy security commitments, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban reportedly stated on Kossuth radio. Orban reiterated that sanctions have severely impacted Hungary, costing the country billions of euros. He explained:
Hungary is interested in sanctions [imposed by the EU against Russia] being lifted as in three years we lost 19 billion euros due to them.
The premier noted that he regularly mentions this at meetings with his EU colleagues in Brussels. While Budapest has refrained from vetoing previous sanctions to preserve EU unity, Orban warned that continued cooperation depends on Brussels fulfilling its promises regarding Hungary’s energy needs. “If the European Commission fails to do as we agreed, sanctions will be lifted. And now we should speak about it resolutely, otherwise, no one will take us seriously, while the Hungarian people will be paying for sanctions-related losses,” he declared.
Brussels had previously assured Hungary that it would guarantee energy security by preventing disruptions to oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline and ensuring the safety of the Turkstream gas pipeline. In exchange, Hungary supported the extension of EU sanctions against Moscow for another six months after Jan. 31. Orban expressed concerns that these commitments may not be fully honored, emphasizing that Hungary cannot afford further economic losses due to restrictions on Russian energy.
Additionally, he noted that Ukraine’s suspension of Russian gas transit to Central Europe has increased the urgency of securing stable energy supplies. Hungary has consistently sought exemptions in the energy sector, ensuring continued access to Russian oil and gas despite broader EU restrictions. The country still relies on oil delivered through the Druzhba pipeline and gas supplied via Turkstream and its extensions in Bulgaria and Serbia.
Following Hungary’s warning, Brussels committed to addressing Budapest’s concerns regarding energy security. Orban emphasized that EU sanctions against Russia are renewed every six months based on consensus, and Hungary’s position remains crucial in that decision-making process. If the European Commission does not uphold its commitments, he stated, Hungary will push for sanctions to be lifted within six months.
