At the Russian Energy Week forum in Moscow on October 15th, 2025, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó delivered a pointed critique of the European Union’s energy strategy, particularly its plans to phase out Russian energy imports by 2027.
Szijjártó emphasized Hungary’s commitment to its national interests, asserting that the country would not yield to external pressures regarding its energy policies. He highlighted Hungary’s longstanding and reliable energy relationship with Russia, noting that energy deliveries have consistently met Hungary’s needs and contractual agreements have been honored.
This stance places Hungary at odds with many of its EU and NATO allies, who are working towards reducing dependence on Russian energy sources.
The EU’s proposed legislation aims to eliminate all Russian gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports by the end of 2027, with a complete phase-out of Russian oil by 2028. While most EU member states support this initiative, Hungary has been vocal in its opposition, citing economic and energy security concerns.
Hungary’s energy strategy includes a 15-year agreement signed in 2021 with Russia’s Gazprom to purchase 4.5 billion cubic meters of gas annually. Additionally, Hungary imports significant volumes of crude oil from Russia via the Druzhba pipeline and the Croatian JANAF pipeline, which supplies the MOL Group’s refineries. These arrangements underscore Hungary’s deep energy ties with Russia, which the government views as essential for maintaining economic stability and energy security.
The Hungarian government’s position has drawn criticism from Western allies, including the United States, which has urged Hungary to cease its Russian oil imports. Despite this external pressure, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has consistently defended Hungary’s energy choices, arguing that abandoning Russian energy supplies would have detrimental effects on the Hungarian economy.
Szijjártó’s remarks in Moscow reflect Hungary’s broader strategy of aligning more closely with Russia on energy matters, even as the EU and NATO work to reduce reliance on Russian energy. This divergence highlights ongoing tensions within the EU, where member states balance national interests with collective goals. Hungary’s approach may influence future discussions on EU energy policy, particularly as the bloc seeks to navigate the complex dynamics of energy security and geopolitical considerations.
As the EU moves forward with its plans to phase out Russian energy imports, Hungary’s continued reliance on Russian energy sources will likely remain a point of contention within the union. The outcome of this debate will have significant implications for EU energy policy and its ability to present a unified front in its dealings with Russia.
Click here for more News & Current Affairs at EU Today
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
