Hungary issued one of its strongest rebukes yet to the European Union’s energy strategy on Wednesday, after Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó declared that Budapest cannot and will not implement the bloc’s newly approved plan to eliminate Russian energy imports.
Speaking at a press briefing, Szijjártó insisted that Hungary’s energy system is still too dependent on Russian supplies to transition within the EU’s proposed timeframe. He argued that replacing those flows by 2027 would not only be costly but also technically impossible without risking nationwide shortages.
“It is impossible to secure Hungary’s energy supply without Russian energy sources,” he said, stressing that the country’s geography and current infrastructure leave few viable alternatives.
Hungary and Slovakia prepare joint challenge
In a rare shared stance, Hungary and Slovakia are preparing to take the European Union to court over the decision once it becomes legally final. Both countries rely heavily on pipelines carrying Russian gas and have warned repeatedly that abrupt changes could destabilize their economies.
The joint legal action will be filed at the Court of Justice of the European Union, signaling a formal escalation of tensions between Eastern European member states and Brussels on strategic energy matters.
EU moves toward Russian energy independence by 2027
The EU’s decision, announced earlier on Wednesday, sets a target to end all Russian gas imports by late 2027. This policy is part of a broader effort to break the bloc’s decades-long reliance on Russian energy: a vulnerability that became glaring after Moscow’s actions in Ukraine.
Officials in Brussels argue that the shift is necessary for long-term security and to shield Europe from geopolitical blackmail. Several northern and western member states have already diversified their energy mix through LNG terminals, renewables, and new import partnerships, making the target achievable for some—but far more challenging for others.
Hungary’s defiance underscores a growing rift within the EU. While most countries support the 2027 deadline, states in Central and Eastern Europe, where Russian gas remains deeply entrenched, warn that the transition pace is unrealistic without massive new infrastructure and financial support.
Energy analysts note that Hungary receives more than half of its gas through routes linked to Russia via the TurkStream pipeline. Building new supply lines could take years, and alternative options remain limited.
On social media, reactions were split: some accused Budapest of siding with Moscow, while others argued that Brussels is pushing an “idealistic timeline” that ignores technical realities on the ground.
What comes next for Hungary
The EU’s energy ministers are now bracing for a legal dispute that could delay the rollout of the policy. If Hungary and Slovakia pursue their court challenge, it could set a precedent for how far member states can be compelled to align with the bloc’s collective energy goals.
For now, Hungary remains firm in its position: without Russian energy, its national stability would be at risk, making compliance with the EU’s deadline, in Szijjártó’s words, “simply impossible.”
