Hungary wants Russian energy. Budapest files a complaint against the EU ban

On Monday, Hungary filed a complaint to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) against the EU's REPowerEU plan, which aims to make the Community independent of Russian fossil fuels, Hungarian foreign minister Peter Szijjarto announced on the X platform.

“Today we filed a complaint with the European Court of Justice, challenging the REPowerEU regulation banning the import of Russian energy and demanding its repeal,” wrote Szijjarto.

“First of all, energy imports can only be banned through sanctions that require unanimity. This regulation was adopted under the guise of trade policy. Secondly, the EU treaties stipulate that each Member State decides on the choice of energy sources and suppliers. Thirdly, the principle of energy solidarity requires security of supply for all Member States. This decision violates this principle, especially in the case of Hungary,” enumerated the Hungarian Foreign Minister, speaking about the arguments behind Budapest's decision.

Szijjarto expressed his belief that Hungary “without Russian oil and gas cannot guarantee energy security or keep energy costs low for Hungarian families.”

On January 26, EU countries finally approved the ban on imports of Russian gas, which is to enter into force in 2027. The new regulations provide for the suspension of imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) until the end of 2026, and gas supplied via pipelines – until September 30, 2027. The majority of member states supported the adoption of the regulations. Hungary and Slovakia voted against.

Jakub Bawołek from Budapest (PAP)

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