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Hungary Files Lawsuit on Russian Energy Improts
(MENAFN) Hungary has launched a legal challenge at the EU’s top court to annul the bloc’s ban on Russian energy imports, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto announced.
The EU Council approved a plan last month to phase out Russian gas by 2028, mandating the end of short-term contracts within six months and the full cessation of pipeline and LNG supplies by the close of 2027. The measure drew criticism from several member states, who warned it could raise prices and jeopardize energy security. Hungary and Slovakia in particular opposed the initiative.
Speaking on X on Monday, Szijjarto stated that Hungary would formally contest the REPowerEU regulation, which bans Russian energy imports, and request its annulment. He said the lawsuit rests on three key arguments, including that energy import restrictions must be imposed through sanctions approved unanimously by all EU members. Despite objections from Hungary and Slovakia, the EU proceeded with the measure, Szijjarto added, “under the guise of a trade policy.”
He emphasized that EU treaties allow each country to choose its own energy sources and suppliers, and argued that the regulation violated the principle of energy solidarity, particularly harming Hungary. Szijjarto warned that without Russian oil and gas, the country faces higher costs, less reliable alternatives, and compromised energy security, making it difficult to maintain affordable energy for Hungarian households.
The legal process could take “about one and three-quarters to two years,” Szijjarto said, noting that success might depend on the current Hungarian ruling party remaining in power through the next elections.
The EU Council approved a plan last month to phase out Russian gas by 2028, mandating the end of short-term contracts within six months and the full cessation of pipeline and LNG supplies by the close of 2027. The measure drew criticism from several member states, who warned it could raise prices and jeopardize energy security. Hungary and Slovakia in particular opposed the initiative.
Speaking on X on Monday, Szijjarto stated that Hungary would formally contest the REPowerEU regulation, which bans Russian energy imports, and request its annulment. He said the lawsuit rests on three key arguments, including that energy import restrictions must be imposed through sanctions approved unanimously by all EU members. Despite objections from Hungary and Slovakia, the EU proceeded with the measure, Szijjarto added, “under the guise of a trade policy.”
He emphasized that EU treaties allow each country to choose its own energy sources and suppliers, and argued that the regulation violated the principle of energy solidarity, particularly harming Hungary. Szijjarto warned that without Russian oil and gas, the country faces higher costs, less reliable alternatives, and compromised energy security, making it difficult to maintain affordable energy for Hungarian households.
The legal process could take “about one and three-quarters to two years,” Szijjarto said, noting that success might depend on the current Hungarian ruling party remaining in power through the next elections.
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