Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Péter Szijjártó, and Romanian Minister of Energy, Sebastian Burduja, have signed a landmark agreement in Budapest to enhance the security of natural gas supply between their countries. Minister Szijjártó described the deal as a significant milestone in bilateral energy cooperation, particularly in light of global uncertainties that have underscored the need for reliable energy sources.
The agreement establishes a framework for mutual assistance in emergency situations, ensuring fair conditions for both Hungarian and Romanian consumers. Its importance is further highlighted by Romania’s emerging role as the region’s sole net exporter of natural gas in the coming years, as well as the largest producer within the European Union.
With Romania’s considerable natural gas extraction capacity set to expand, along with its large regional storage facilities and access to alternative energy sources, Hungary stands to benefit significantly from this strengthened partnership. Securing this gas solidarity agreement with Romania was therefore a key priority for Budapest.
The two nations have already integrated their gas pipeline networks and recently expanded their interconnector capacity to 2.6 billion cubic meters per year. In the past year alone, 1.8 billion cubic meters of gas were traded, directly bolstering energy security for both countries.
Minister Szijjártó also pointed out that Hungary’s natural gas supply routes have undergone a transformation, with the southern corridor playing an increasingly vital role. This latest agreement is expected to reinforce that supply route, further stabilizing Hungary’s energy landscape.
