- Hungary strengthens energy ties with Russia, securing record gas and oil imports in 2024.
- Foreign Minister Szijjártó’s Moscow visit focuses on energy security and economic cooperation.
- Despite EU sanctions, Hungary maintains its strategic energy partnership with Russia.
Hungary’s Foreign Minister, Péter Szijjártó, travelled to Moscow for talks on energy security with Russian officials. His visit followed the U.S. announcement of a partial truce in Ukraine. The discussions focused on enhancing economic cooperation between the two nations, especially in the energy sector.
Szijjártó met Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak and discussed the ongoing gas and oil supply to Hungary. Hungary affirmed its commitment to energy cooperation with Russia. Szijjártó praised Russia’s consistent deliveries, emphasising their crucial role in Hungary’s energy security.
2024 Hungary imported 8.6 billion cubic metres of natural gas and 4.78 million tonnes of crude oil from Russia. These imports set a historic record, highlighting Russia’s key role in Hungary’s energy strategy. The steady supply secured Hungary’s energy needs despite the conflict in Eastern Europe.
Novak praised Hungary’s position as “constructive” in light of Budapest’s efforts to ease certain European Union sanctions against Russia. Hungary has supported all EU sanctions since the Ukraine invasion but has frequently delayed or softened their implementation.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, maintained a unique stance within the EU. Since the war began, Orbán’s government refused to send military aid to Ukraine, instead focusing on peace talks and energy security. Szijjártó echoed this position, calling recent U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia a positive step toward peace.
Hungary’s approach to energy ties with Russia reflects its economic priorities. The government needs stable energy supplies to manage Europe’s rising demand and price volatility. Hungary guaranteed a steady energy flow by securing record gas and oil imports from Russia in 2024, even with the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Despite criticism from other EU members, Hungary balanced its support for EU sanctions with a focus on its energy needs. This careful balance preserved the energy partnership with Russia while allowing Hungary to maintain its position in the EU.
The Moscow meeting demonstrated Hungary’s efforts to strengthen energy ties with Russia. With energy security as a top priority, the partnership will likely continue to benefit both countries.
Hungary’s energy imports from Russia will likely remain high shortly. With record gas and oil deliveries, Hungary positions itself as a key energy partner for Russia, even as geopolitical tensions continue.
Szijjártó’s visit reinforced Hungary’s commitment to energy security and underscored its determination to keep working with Russia despite the challenges in Eastern Europe.