EU and US Pressure Mounts on Hungary & Slovakia to End Russian Energy Imports
Hungary and Slovakia are under increasing international pressure to reduce their reliance on Russian fossil fuels, as the European Union and the United States step up efforts to damage Russia’s war economy. Analysts worry that as two of the last EU members to purchase Russian pipeline oil, they are becoming increasingly exposed to political and economic pressures.
This concerted transatlantic plan involves looking into fresh sanctions directed directly at countries that continue to import fossil fuels from Russia, maybe through secondary tariffs. According to Eammon Drumm, a research analyst at the German Marshall Fund, the larger objective of reducing Russian energy imports is consistent with the United States’ overall goal for energy dominance, putting Hungary and Slovakia squarely in the spotlight.
Why Are Hungary and Slovakia Still Importing?
Both countries have legal derogations (exceptions) to the EU’s total ban on Russian oil, claiming geographical need and a lack of suitable alternatives. As landlocked countries, moving from established pipeline infrastructure to seaborne supply is logistically and financially challenging.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has continually supported the purchases by describing them as a “physical issue” with infrastructure rather than a political one. He has denied getting an explicit, urgent ultimatum from the United States. Analysts contend that maintaining these imports weakens the overall effectiveness of the Western sanctions regime, making them a target of further diplomatic pressure.
The Path to Diversification and Its Challenges
Despite their public opposition and diplomatic pushback, there is a growing consensus within both Hungary and Slovakia that a long-term departure from Russian energy is an unavoidable reality. This necessary shift, however, presents a monumental challenge that extends far beyond political will. It demands a profound transformation of their national energy infrastructures, requiring billions in investment to build new pipelines, secure alternative LNG supplies, and modernize distribution networks. The success of this costly and complex transition is wholly dependent on securing substantial financial support and technical assistance from the European Union to ensure it does not come at the expense of their economic stability or energy security.
Hungary has already taken beginning moves. It recently concluded a significant long-term natural gas contract with Shell to import 2 billion cubic meters of gas over a 10-year period beginning in 2026. This transaction illustrates the need for diversity. Other possible sources include Norway, Azerbaijan, and Middle Eastern countries, while logistical obstacles for landlocked governments remain.
The EU’s Timeline and The Road Ahead
The EU’s REPowerEU plan sets a firm 2027 deadline to end Russian fossil fuel imports, aiming to cut war funding and boost green energy. However, countries like Hungary and Slovakia see this timeline as overly rigid and challenging. They argue their landlocked locations and decades-old reliance on Russian pipelines make a rapid cutoff risky, threatening their energy security and economic stability.
They will therefore push harder in EU negotiations for more money, exemptions, and tailored support to enable a safe transition. They will argue for a flexible approach, warning that a rushed cut-off from Russian energy could destabilize their economies and harm EU unity. Their position is that a managed phase-out with investment in new infrastructure is better than a sudden ban. This will challenge the EU to balance its ambitious goals with the practical needs of its most vulnerable members.
Conclusion
In short, Hungary and Slovakia are at a geopolitical crossroads. While legal bans and pipeline infrastructure provide some comfort, political and diplomatic pressure from Brussels and Washington is increasing. The decisions made by these nations in the coming years will be a vital test of Europe’s collective commitment to eliminating its energy reliance on Russia, as well as the continent’s ability to maintain its most vulnerable citizens during a costly and difficult energy transition.
