Hungary has signed new agreements with Russia to ensure its access to natural gas, defying the European Union’s efforts to isolate the country amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. According to Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, the agreements allow for the importation of natural gas beyond previously agreed-upon quantities, with prices capped at 150 euros per cubic meter. The gas will arrive in Hungary through the Turkstream pipeline, and Hungary will have the option to pay for its gas purchases on a deferred basis if market prices exceed this amount.
Szijjarto’s trip to Moscow was unusual, as most EU member states have distanced themselves from Russian President Vladimir Putin and sought to reduce their dependence on Russian fossil fuels. Hungary has been a vocal opponent of EU sanctions against Russia and has threatened to veto proposed actions against Moscow. As a result, Szijjarto’s meeting with Russian officials was one of the few high-level exchanges between EU and Russian officials since the start of the war.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto (Via Peter Szijjarto/Twitter)
During his meeting with Russian Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Alexander Novak and the CEO of Rosatom, Alexey Likhachev, Szijjarto emphasized the importance of energy security, insisting that it is a physical issue that cannot be influenced by political considerations. He argued that Hungary’s ties with Russia are crucial for its energy security, regardless of the political situation.
Szijjarto’s statements have raised eyebrows among EU leaders, who have been critical of Hungary’s continued ties with Russia. The country’s close relationship with Moscow has been a point of contention within the EU, with some member states accusing Hungary of undermining the bloc’s efforts to isolate Russia. Despite this, Hungary remains committed to its energy partnership with Russia, which it sees as essential for its economic and energy security.
