Minister Slams EU Gas Ban on Russia as Risk to Affordable Utility Costs
Hungary’s Reaction to EU Proposal on Energy Cooperation with Russia
On Wednesday, Péter Szijjártó, Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, expressed strong opposition to a proposal from Brussels aimed at halting future energy cooperation between Russia and European nations. In a statement posted on his Facebook page, he characterized the initiative as a "crystal clear attack" on Hungary’s efforts to reduce utility costs.
Szijjártó described the Brussels decision as "shocking," emphasizing that if Hungary is unable to procure natural gas, crude oil, and nuclear fuel from Russia, the country’s energy import costs could surge by approximately HUF 600 billion (around EUR 1.48 billion). He warned that such changes would lead to a "dramatic attack" on the country’s utility cost reduction strategies.
In his remarks, Szijjártó framed the proposal as a method by which the Hungarian population would be made to shoulder the financial burden resulting from what he termed Ukraine’s "senseless and excessive" support in its bid for accelerated accession to the European Union. He firmly stated that Hungary would not allow its citizens to bear the costs associated with Ukraine’s EU ambitions.
“We will protect the Hungarian people from this,” Szijjártó asserted. “We will ensure that utility costs do not skyrocket in Hungary, as is already happening in many other European countries.”
As the EU considers further sanctions against Russian fossil fuel imports, Szijjártó’s comments highlight growing tensions within Europe regarding energy policies and their economic implications on member states.
Related Article: EU Commission’s Ban on Russian Gas Viewed as Threat to Utility Bills in Hungary
Via MTI; Featured Photo: MTI/Tamás Purger
