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Hungary's Prime Minister-Elect States Intent to Continue Russian Energy Purchases Amid EU Phase-Out Plans
Hungary's Prime Minister-elect Péter Magyar announced at his first press conference that the country will seek the cheapest energy sources, including from Russia. This position follows his election win on April 12 and contrasts with his campaign pledge to end Russian energy imports by 2035. The European Union aims to phase out such imports by the end of 2027.
Apr 13, 12:12 PM·2m read1 source
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Hungary's Prime Minister-elect Péter Magyar held his first press conference on Monday following his election victory on April 12. He stated that the country will continue to purchase energy from Russia to prioritize the cheapest available oil and gas. This approach appears to differ from his earlier campaign commitment to phase out Russian energy imports by 2035.
Magyar emphasized the fixed geography between Russia and Hungary. He said the government will procure crude oil and gas in the cheapest and safest manner possible. His remarks were made to reporters during the press conference.
“No one can change geography, Russia and Hungary are here to stay. " — Péter Magyar, Prime Minister-elect of Hungary (Euronews) The European Union has welcomed the change in Hungary's leadership after the previous prime minister's tenure. The previous administration had criticized the EU's energy transition policies and its restrictions on Russian energy imports.”
Hungary relies on Russian energy for about 90% of its supply, making it one of the most dependent EU member states.
Supply Challenges in Hungary Hungary faces an energy crisis influenced by the war in Iran, which has led to higher prices and potential shortages worldwide.
In January, the Druzhba pipeline, a key route for Russian oil through Ukraine, was damaged following a strike on energy infrastructure in western Ukraine, according to Kyiv. Flows through the pipeline dropped to zero in February and March. As a landlocked country with limited alternatives, Hungary drew on strategic reserves and reduced refinery operations to manage the shortfall.
The country's sole refiner increased seaborne imports via Croatia's Omisalj terminal, supplied through the Adria pipeline. These imports reached about 100,000 barrels of oil per day in March, consisting of crude from Libya and Norway.
