Hungary and Slovakia to sue the EU over the ban on Russian gas.

According to ТСН: Hungary and Slovakia plan to challenge the European Union's decision that bans the supply of Russian gas.

This was announced by Hungary's Minister of Foreign Affairs Peter Szijjarto. He noted that the countries will contest the EU agreement that provides for a gradual phase-out of Russian gas by September of the following year. Szijjarto emphasized that his country cannot accept this condition as it relies on Russian energy resources.

Hungary and Slovakia remain among the few EU states that continue to import fossil fuel from Russia. Now these countries intend to initiate legal proceedings in the highest EU court.

Abandoning Russian gas

The European Union has agreed on a date for a complete ban on gas imports from Russia. If the document is finally approved, the ban will come into effect by the end of 2027. It includes a legally binding prohibition on the import of Russian gas in any form — both pipeline and liquefied.

The Hungarian government led by Viktor Orban has repeatedly emphasized that it has no intention of giving up Russian fuel, as it is more economical compared to alternatives. According to Orban, abandoning supplies from Russia could lead to rising prices for the Hungarian population.

On November 28, Orban visited Moscow, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Prime Minister noted that the main purpose of his visit was to discuss the supply of oil and gas to Hungary, as well as to ensure stable energy prices in winter.

Thus, the plans of Hungary and Slovakia indicate serious discrepancies in the energy policies of EU countries. Despite Europe's efforts to gradually abandon Russian energy resources, these two countries continue to seek ways to maintain their energy ties with Moscow, banking on certain economic hopes.