Dec 3, 2025
Hungary will contest the EU's decision to gradually eliminate Russian energy imports.
Hungary plans to contest a European Union ruling on the phase-out of Russian energy resources at the EU's Court of Justice, according to Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto on Wednesday.
The EU member states have decided to eliminate Russian gas imports by the end of 2027 to end their long-standing reliance on Russian energy. This decision was made despite opposition from Hungary and Slovakia.
Slovakia is also considering its legal options regarding the EU directive, as both countries remain heavily dependent on Russian gas and oil, worried that more expensive alternatives could harm their economies.
"Implementing this Brussels directive is not feasible for Hungary," Szijjarto stated during a briefing on his Facebook page.
He claimed that the decision contravened the EU's foundational treaty, framing it as a sanctions measure masked as trade policy.
Szijjarto asserted that Hungary would formally challenge the issue in the EU's highest court once the Brussels decision is finalized.
HUNGARY AND SLOVAKIA MAY COLLABORATE
Szijjarto mentioned that he had spoken with his Slovak counterpart regarding the situation and they agreed to coordinate their efforts.
On Wednesday, Slovakia's government, like Hungary's, has maintained relations with Russia despite its 2022 invasion of Ukraine and discussed its legal options, though it hasn't disclosed any specific action.
Last month, Slovakia indicated it would explore legal avenues, noting that much would depend on how the European Commission honored assurances regarding potential shortages or price increases given to Slovakia this year to facilitate the phase-out.
"We have ample legal grounds to consider a lawsuit. We agreed to soon assess how well the European Commission has honored its commitments to us," stated Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on Wednesday.
Slovakia received guarantees after it stalled an EU sanctions package against Russia, which necessitates unanimous approval within the bloc. However, the energy phase-out measures are legislative and only require a majority vote from member states, rendering Hungary and Slovakia unable to obstruct the decision.
The EU member states have decided to eliminate Russian gas imports by the end of 2027 to end their long-standing reliance on Russian energy. This decision was made despite opposition from Hungary and Slovakia.
Slovakia is also considering its legal options regarding the EU directive, as both countries remain heavily dependent on Russian gas and oil, worried that more expensive alternatives could harm their economies.
"Implementing this Brussels directive is not feasible for Hungary," Szijjarto stated during a briefing on his Facebook page.
He claimed that the decision contravened the EU's foundational treaty, framing it as a sanctions measure masked as trade policy.
Szijjarto asserted that Hungary would formally challenge the issue in the EU's highest court once the Brussels decision is finalized.
HUNGARY AND SLOVAKIA MAY COLLABORATE
Szijjarto mentioned that he had spoken with his Slovak counterpart regarding the situation and they agreed to coordinate their efforts.
On Wednesday, Slovakia's government, like Hungary's, has maintained relations with Russia despite its 2022 invasion of Ukraine and discussed its legal options, though it hasn't disclosed any specific action.
Last month, Slovakia indicated it would explore legal avenues, noting that much would depend on how the European Commission honored assurances regarding potential shortages or price increases given to Slovakia this year to facilitate the phase-out.
"We have ample legal grounds to consider a lawsuit. We agreed to soon assess how well the European Commission has honored its commitments to us," stated Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on Wednesday.
Slovakia received guarantees after it stalled an EU sanctions package against Russia, which necessitates unanimous approval within the bloc. However, the energy phase-out measures are legislative and only require a majority vote from member states, rendering Hungary and Slovakia unable to obstruct the decision.