Hungary and Slovakia have effectively blocked the European Union’s 18th sanctions package against Russia, citing energy security concerns as a major reason. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stated that the proposed measures would deal a major blow to Hungary’s energy security, which is vital for the country’s national interests. The two countries have been vocal in their opposition to EU sanctions on Russian energy since the Ukraine conflict escalated in 2022, with Hungary highlighting its reliance on Russian oil and gas through long-term contracts with Gazprom.
The proposed sanctions, which targeted Russia’s energy sector, were part of an EU plan to phase out all remaining Russian gas flows to the EU by the end of 2027, a move that has been supported by EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. This plan, which has faced opposition from Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, and reportedly Italy, is expected to be introduced as trade legislation that, under EU rules, does not require unanimous approval but only the support of at least 15 member states to become law.
Despite the drop in pipeline flows, EU imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) have increased, with Russia supplying 17.5% of the bloc’s LNG in 2024, second only to the United States. Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev has criticized the EU’s sanctions as being against international law, with Russia maintaining that it remains a reliable energy supplier. While Hungary and Slovakia have prevented the adoption of the 18th sanctions package, the EU is still likely to move forward with its plan to reduce reliance on Russian energy imports, which could have significant implications for the bloc’s energy security and economic stability.
The decision by Hungary and Slovakia highlights the broader challenges the EU faces in balancing its energy security with its diplomatic and economic relationships with Russia. As the EU continues to negotiate and implement its energy policies, the opposition from key member states could lead to further delays or modifications in the implementation of the sanctions and phasing-out plan. This could have far-reaching consequences for the EU’s energy markets and the economic stability of its member states, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the global energy crisis.