Political Clash Between Poland and Hungary Over Russian Oil: A New Stage in Europe’s Energy Conflict
A tense political confrontation has once again emerged at the highest levels of the European Union, centered around the contentious issue of energy security.
Poland’s Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski and Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán’s political advisor Balázs Orbán exchanged public accusations via social media, notably on the platform X.
Their disputes highlight ongoing regional tensions over Russia’s oil imports and the strategic choices made by their governments.
Sikorski expressed support for rejecting Russian energy supplies and suggested alternative routes through Croatia to intensify sanctions against Russia and diminish its capacity to wage war.
Conversely, Orbán sharply criticized this stance, branding it as ‘the lowest point of wartime hysteria’ and emphasizing the historical friendship and alliance between Hungary and Poland.
Sikorski responded by advocating for energy independence, proposing the use of other pipelines owned by Croatia to avoid funding the Kremlin.
Polish diplomacy also urged the EU to step up sanctions and highlighted the support from US President Donald Trump for tougher measures against Moscow.
Meanwhile, EU member states are debating a plan to ban all Russian gas and oil supplies by 2027, but Hungary has opposed these measures and plans to challenge them legally, citing procedural unlawfulness.
This energy dispute deepens divisions within Europe and questions the bloc’s cohesion in its response to Russian aggression.