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Hungary to challenge EU’s Russian gas phase-out plan in court
(MENAFN) Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has pledged that Budapest will take legal action against the European Union’s plan to phase out Russian energy imports.
Last month, the EU Council approved a strategy to end Russian gas imports by 2028, mandating the termination of short-term contracts within six months and a full halt to remaining pipeline and LNG deliveries by the end of 2027. Several member states, including Hungary and Slovakia, criticized the plan, warning that it would drive up energy prices and threaten security, and ultimately refused to support it.
Speaking on state radio Friday, Orban argued that the decision was unlawful because it was adopted by a qualified majority rather than requiring unanimous approval, as EU rules stipulate for sensitive matters. Hungary has a history of threatening vetoes against 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 said.
“We are turning to the European Court of Justice.” He also noted that the government is exploring other ways to block the plan, without providing details.
Orban criticized the approach, saying the energy ban has been treated as a standard legislative measure needing support from 55% of member states rather than unanimity. “This is no longer a sanction but a trade policy measure,” he said. “And sanctions require unanimity, while a majority decision is sufficient for trade policy.”
He stressed that energy policy should remain separate from political disputes, and that EU security cannot come at the expense of economic stability. The EU has seen energy costs surge since phasing out Russian oil and gas following the 2022 escalation of the Ukraine conflict, with supply disruptions raising industrial expenses. Moscow has argued that Western nations are harming their own economies by relying on costlier, less reliable alternatives.
Last month, the EU Council approved a strategy to end Russian gas imports by 2028, mandating the termination of short-term contracts within six months and a full halt to remaining pipeline and LNG deliveries by the end of 2027. Several member states, including Hungary and Slovakia, criticized the plan, warning that it would drive up energy prices and threaten security, and ultimately refused to support it.
Speaking on state radio Friday, Orban argued that the decision was unlawful because it was adopted by a qualified majority rather than requiring unanimous approval, as EU rules stipulate for sensitive matters. Hungary has a history of threatening vetoes against 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 said.
“We are turning to the European Court of Justice.” He also noted that the government is exploring other ways to block the plan, without providing details.
Orban criticized the approach, saying the energy ban has been treated as a standard legislative measure needing support from 55% of member states rather than unanimity. “This is no longer a sanction but a trade policy measure,” he said. “And sanctions require unanimity, while a majority decision is sufficient for trade policy.”
He stressed that energy policy should remain separate from political disputes, and that EU security cannot come at the expense of economic stability. The EU has seen energy costs surge since phasing out Russian oil and gas following the 2022 escalation of the Ukraine conflict, with supply disruptions raising industrial expenses. Moscow has argued that Western nations are harming their own economies by relying on costlier, less reliable alternatives.
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