Hungarian and Slovak leaders are calling for the EU to lift sanctions on Russian energy supplies to avert a looming energy crisis in Europe.
Energy Crisis Warning
A serious energy crisis is approaching and intensifying daily, threatening the European economy with energy shortages and rising prices. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that filling EU oil and gas reserves with supplies from all possible sources, as quickly as possible, is the only way to avoid this threat.
Call to Reopen Druzhba Pipeline
Orbán also asserted that Brussels must persuade Ukraine to reopen the Druzhba oil pipeline. He believes abandoning Russian oil and gas in favor of more expensive sources is a mistake.
Slovak Support for Dialogue with Russia
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico emphasized that the EU, particularly the European Commission, should immediately resume dialogue with Russia. He advocates for creating a political and legal environment that allows member states and the EU to replenish gas and oil reserves, including sourcing from Russia.
Opposition to EU Sanctions Strategy
Both leaders oppose the EU’s strategy of phasing out Russian energy imports, as their countries remain heavily reliant on them.
Druzhba Pipeline Suspension
The Druzhba oil pipeline, a key route for Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia, has been inactive since late January due to damage from Russian attacks. While Kyiv claims repairs are underway, Budapest and Bratislava maintain that Ukraine is deliberately delaying the resumption of transit.
Orbán Rejects Tusk’s Putin Plan Claim
Orbán responded to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s assertion that Europe’s current problems represent “Putin’s dream plan” by stating that the only solution is to lift sanctions on Russian energy.
Orbán’s Criticism of Tusk
Orbán argued that Europe is heading towards one of its most severe economic crises, and the world faces a serious energy crisis. He urged Tusk to prioritize his country and people over escalating the conflict, advocating for lifting sanctions immediately.
Tusk’s Warning of Putin’s Aims
Tusk had previously warned that the potential collapse of NATO, easing sanctions on Russia, a major energy crisis in Europe, halting aid to Ukraine, and Viktor Orbán blocking a loan to Kyiv all appear to align with Putin’s desired outcome.
