(MENAFN) Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has vowed that Budapest will legally challenge the European Union’s strategy to gradually eliminate Russian energy imports.

Last month, the EU Council approved a scheme to terminate Russian gas imports by 2028. Under this plan, short-term contracts must end within six months, and all remaining pipeline and LNG deliveries are to stop by the close of 2027.

Several EU nations, including Hungary and Slovakia, have voiced strong objections, arguing that the proposal will increase costs and threaten energy security. Ultimately, both Budapest and Bratislava declined to endorse the initiative.

On state radio Friday, Orban stated that Hungary viewed the decision as “unlawful” because it was passed by a qualified majority rather than requiring unanimity, as the bloc’s regulations stipulate for sensitive issues.

Hungary has a history of threatening to veto EU sanctions on Russia and has leveraged its vote to secure exemptions and delays.

“We do not accept this obviously unlawful solution contrary to European values, which was chosen by Brussels to shut down a national government that disagrees with it,” Orban declared, as cited by a media outlet. “We are turning to the European Court of Justice.”

Orban also mentioned that his administration is exploring additional methods to obstruct the plan, though he did not provide further specifics.

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