Hungary has once again opposed the European Union’s common energy embargo policy against Russia, once more emphasizing its independence in choosing strategies and approaches to energy security
Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó officially announced that his country had vetoed the European Union Council’s decision regarding further steps in the energy sector, including calls to ban the supply of Russian gas and oil. This came as a shock to some European policymakers who had hoped for a more united and active EU stance in applying sanctions pressure on the Kremlin. According to Szijjártó, the Hungarian government opposes any attempts by Brussels to impose mandatory restrictions on member states regarding the procurement of energy resources from Russia, as they believe such measures violate national sovereignty and undermine the country’s energy security. The Foreign Minister emphasized that energy policy is an internal competence of each country, and no external body should interfere directly in this sphere. He pointed out that the European Commission’s plans to fully phase out imports of Russian gas and oil threaten Hungary’s independence in energy matters, given that costs and sources of supply remain crucial for ensuring the uninterrupted functioning of the national economy. Explaining his position, Szijjártó noted that in light of recent escalations in the Middle East and increased regional tensions, he considers it unwise to consider new energy sanctions and restrictions. Instead, he proposes refraining from adopting radical measures that could exacerbate the crisis on the EU’s energy front. It is worth recalling that a meeting of the EU Energy Council took place in Luxembourg on June 16. The discussion focused on ways to gradually move away from Russian energy supplies, which still remain a primary source for some countries. Moreover, sources in Brussels indicate that the European Commission intends to propose specific legal mechanisms to finalize the cessation of Russian gas and oil imports within the EU. However, tackling dependence on Russian nuclear technologies remains a complex and deeply structural issue that cannot be resolved quickly. Thus, Hungary's stance again underscores its pursuit of an independent energy policy, which contradicts the overall course of the EU. This raises questions about the unity of the bloc in applying sanctions and demonstrates how difficult it is to reconcile the interests of all member states in this strategically important direction. Cooperation in a virtual “energy unity” with the European Union seems increasingly unattainable — each country seeks to protect its national interests and prioritize its own energy security.