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December 04, 2025
Hungary and Slovakia will challenge the EU decision on Russian energy imports, Szijjarto says
The European Union agreed earlier today to phase out Russian gas imports by the end of 2027The post Hungary and Slovakia will challenge the EU decision on Russian energy imports, Szijjarto says appeared first on ProtoThema English.
Hungary and Slovakia are preparing to legally challenge the European Union's recent decision to phase out Russian gas imports by the end of 2027, according to Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Péter Szijjártó. The announcement signals a significant rift within the EU over energy policy and highlights the continued reliance of some member states on Russian energy supplies.
The EU agreement, reached earlier today, aims to reduce the bloc's dependence on Russian energy in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. It sets a target for member states to eliminate their reliance on Russian gas by 2027, pushing for diversification of energy sources and increased investment in renewable energy.
However, Hungary and Slovakia have voiced strong objections to the timeline, citing concerns about energy security and economic stability. Minister Szijjártó stated that the decision fails to adequately consider the specific energy needs and infrastructure limitations of certain member states, particularly those heavily reliant on Russian pipelines.
"We understand the need for diversification," Szijjártó said, "but forcing a rapid transition without providing viable alternatives or sufficient financial support is simply not realistic for countries like Hungary and Slovakia. We cannot jeopardize the energy supply for our citizens and businesses."
The legal challenge, expected to be filed in the coming weeks, will likely argue that the EU's decision infringes upon the sovereign rights of member states to determine their own energy mix and that the proposed timeline imposes an undue burden on their economies. The challenge could potentially delay or even overturn the EU's plan, forcing the bloc to reconsider its approach to phasing out Russian gas.
This move by Hungary and Slovakia underscores the complex and often conflicting interests within the EU regarding energy policy. While many member states are eager to reduce their dependence on Russia, others remain hesitant due to existing contracts, infrastructure limitations, and concerns about the economic consequences of a rapid transition. The legal challenge is expected to spark intense debate within the EU and could have significant implications for the future of European energy security. The outcome remains uncertain, but it is clear that the path towards energy independence from Russia will be fraught with challenges and disagreements.
The EU agreement, reached earlier today, aims to reduce the bloc's dependence on Russian energy in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. It sets a target for member states to eliminate their reliance on Russian gas by 2027, pushing for diversification of energy sources and increased investment in renewable energy.
However, Hungary and Slovakia have voiced strong objections to the timeline, citing concerns about energy security and economic stability. Minister Szijjártó stated that the decision fails to adequately consider the specific energy needs and infrastructure limitations of certain member states, particularly those heavily reliant on Russian pipelines.
"We understand the need for diversification," Szijjártó said, "but forcing a rapid transition without providing viable alternatives or sufficient financial support is simply not realistic for countries like Hungary and Slovakia. We cannot jeopardize the energy supply for our citizens and businesses."
The legal challenge, expected to be filed in the coming weeks, will likely argue that the EU's decision infringes upon the sovereign rights of member states to determine their own energy mix and that the proposed timeline imposes an undue burden on their economies. The challenge could potentially delay or even overturn the EU's plan, forcing the bloc to reconsider its approach to phasing out Russian gas.
This move by Hungary and Slovakia underscores the complex and often conflicting interests within the EU regarding energy policy. While many member states are eager to reduce their dependence on Russia, others remain hesitant due to existing contracts, infrastructure limitations, and concerns about the economic consequences of a rapid transition. The legal challenge is expected to spark intense debate within the EU and could have significant implications for the future of European energy security. The outcome remains uncertain, but it is clear that the path towards energy independence from Russia will be fraught with challenges and disagreements.
Category:
Politics