The European Commission (EC) has called on Hungary and Slovakia to reduce their dependence on Russian oil and seek alternative supply sources after both countries complained that Ukraine is blocking deliveries from Russia.
In a letter to the governments of Budapest and Bratislava, EU Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis emphasized the need for diversification away from Russian fossil fuels. Hungary and Slovakia had previously requested the European Commission’s intervention in their dispute with Ukraine, which imposed sanctions on the Russian energy company Lukoil. This situation has led to potential fuel shortages, as both countries are reliant on the Druzhba oil pipeline, which Ukraine has blocked.
The European Commission reassured that Hungary and Slovakia have sufficient reserves since the overall flow of oil has not been reduced. The Commission added that urgent consultations requested by the two countries, as per the EU’s trade agreement with Ukraine, were not deemed necessary.
Hungary and Slovakia have been granted exemptions from the EU’s ban on importing Russian oil due to their lack of available alternatives. Dombrovskis suggested using the JANAF pipeline, which transports oil from the Omisalj terminal in Croatia, as an alternative.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has accused the European Commission of blackmail, alleging that the Commission’s actions are a response to the countries’ opposition to arming Ukraine.
