Hungary has rejected an offer from Croatia to use its pipeline system as an alternative to Russian oil imports, escalating a multipronged conflict with the EU.
The broadside from foreign minister Peter Szijjártó followed pressure from the European Commission for Hungary and Slovakia to wean themselves off Russian supplies more than two years after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
The two countries, along with the Czech Republic, have secured exemptions from an EU-wide ban on Russian crude imported via a pipeline that transits Ukraine because they have fewer alternative sources.
Szijjártó had asked for Brussels’ help after Ukraine banned shipments by Lukoil, a key supplier, through the Druzhba pipeline. But the commission said there was no evidence flows had dropped or that there was a shortage — as other suppliers can still use the pipeline, including Hungary’s MOL, which purchases the oil in Russia and is not subject to Ukraine’s sanctions.
On Wednesday Croatian President Andrej Plenkovic wrote to the EU commission to say its oil pipeline connecting Adriatic ports where shipborne oil can be fed into the European network is “underutilised”.
Its import infrastructure exceeds national needs, he wrote in the letter seen by the Financial Times.
“The affected central European landlocked countries have the opportunity to use this alternative supply route to reduce, or even completely eliminate, their dependence on Russian oil,” he wrote.
He added that the Croatian oil transit company operating the pipeline, Janaf, “is willing to negotiate long-term contracts involving larger volumes to ensure energy supply security and reduce dependence”.
Janaf’s Adria pipeline capacity is of 14.3mn tonnes of oil annually, from its terminal on the island of Krk.
Currently Croatia buys 2mn tonnes and Serbia 3.3mn. MOL has a contract for 2.2mn tonnes a year until the end of 2024, Plenkovic said.
Szijjártó attacked the Croatian leader’s letter on social media, claiming it was co-ordinated with the commission to pressure Hungary.
“Croatia is simply not a reliable transit country. Since the war broke out, they have raised transit fees to five times the market average. They have made it impossible for MOL to secure long-term transport capacities.
“Moreover, they have not invested in necessary capacity increases, and the maximum capacity data they provide has never been verified,” Szijjártó wrote on Facebook.
“The suspension of oil supplies from the east would make Hungary and Slovakia completely vulnerable to an unreliable transit country.”
The Czech Republic still buys some products from Slovakia’s refinery.
Trade commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis on Thursday encouraged Budapest and Bratislava to use the Adria pipeline. He asked for evidence that Ukraine’s sanctioning of Lukoil has diminished supplies and said there was no need to raise the issue with Kyiv yet.
Hungary’s Moscow-friendly premier, Viktor Orbán, is now fighting Brussels on several fronts, while holding the rotating presidency of the EU until December 31.
His shuttle diplomacy between Moscow, Beijing and US presidential candidate Donald Trump’s home in Florida, has irked many member states. Orbán is also blocking EU reimbursements for weapons other capitals have sent to Ukraine.
Separately, home affairs commissioner Ylva Johansson said Budapest could be breaking EU law by loosening visa requirements for Russian and Belarusian citizens.
The new National Card system would allow those getting Hungarian residency free movement in the 29-country Schengen area.
In a letter to the government, she said it could amount to “de facto circumvention of the restrictions the Union has imposed” on some Russians and Belarusians. She asked for replies to questions by August 19 so she could judge if the system was compatible with EU law.
Hoo they realy want that sweet sweet Russian gas.
#Too bad
Orbán ❤️ Putin
So it’s really not about the oil.
Knowing how much EU still imports Russian oil my conspiracy theory is that ‘these sort of questions’ purposefully arise during Hungarian Presidency so nothing changes
He knows that his life is forfeit if he turns against Putania. You don’t simply leave the mob and cosy up with their enemy without creating drastic consequences for yourself.
“But if I stop sucking Putin’s cock he’ll stop paying me!”
Look Hungary… if you want to be without oil, go ahead. Who are we to judge you… But unfortunately for you, we are currently the only way you could get your oil now. It’s your choice.
I am wondering how an average Hungarian feels about being one of the most hated nations in the EU because of Orban.
Then they can piss in they refineries.
Too Bad fatty. Was clear from the beginning that this isnt about the Oil, its about crawling up Pootys ass.
Fuck Orban and Hungary.
The really funny thing about this is saying Croatia is ‘unreliable’, meaning that currently supplying country (Ukraine) is reliable??!
Can someone explain why is he siding with Putin and going against EU
Can someone from Hungary explain what’s the ultimate end goal here? It’s clear that Hungary is going against EU in every way possible, so much so that is becoming a thorn in the Europe’s ass. Do they want to have a Hexit and leave the union? I just can’t connect the dots.
Orban knows that everyone knows that he sucks Putin’s dick all day and night. He isn’t even trying to hide it anymore
of course. hungary would make much less money and Orban can’t have that. He spent all on keeping himself in power.
Croatia is not a reliable party
Literally buys oil flowing through a country bombarded and at war
Hungarian logic is Hungarian
Of course they do. Hungary always does the opposite of what’s is Besf for them
Dear Hungarians, you‘ve got rid of the crazies in power 1988/89 – you can also get rid of this pos!
It’s probably at a higher price point, which will adversely affect their economy, which will make hurt orby’s hold on power… so, this is good news.
Where does Croatia get its gas from?
Ofcourse, he doesn’t want a solution. Populists never want solutions
When will EU say enough is enough and kick these clowns to the curb?
Hungarians know what to do with him so they should just get it over with.
What a disgrace he is for his country.
Orban is a fucking muppet
“I don’t want a solution. I want to be mad.”
Fine Orban… By the way, how do you like your vacation here in Croatia? Good to know we are reliable at least for tourism.
Because they care more about spreading fascism than oil.
“It has to be Putin’s peepee or no-one elses” – Viktor Orbán
Ukraine should destroy the pipeline now. Problem solved.
Sanction Hungary!
Is there anything us European citizens can do to free ourselves from the Russian Infiltration operation that is Hungary? Why do we allow this tiny unimportant country to destroy our future? Do we need to do nothing until war is inevitable?
Kick them out of the EU.
So Russian patsy being a giant douche, why am I not surprised…
Traitor of Europe really doesn’t want to lose official excuse for making business with russia and pushing unjustful peace aka capitulation of invaded sovereign nation. Why every scum on earth with undeniable bad traits loves Russia. Not really coincedence
Andrej Plenkovic is not the president. He is the prime minister.
38 comments
Hungary has rejected an offer from Croatia to use its pipeline system as an alternative to Russian oil imports, escalating a multipronged conflict with the EU.
The broadside from foreign minister Peter Szijjártó followed pressure from the European Commission for Hungary and Slovakia to wean themselves off Russian supplies more than two years after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
The two countries, along with the Czech Republic, have secured exemptions from an EU-wide ban on Russian crude imported via a pipeline that transits Ukraine because they have fewer alternative sources.
Szijjártó had asked for Brussels’ help after Ukraine banned shipments by Lukoil, a key supplier, through the Druzhba pipeline. But the commission said there was no evidence flows had dropped or that there was a shortage — as other suppliers can still use the pipeline, including Hungary’s MOL, which purchases the oil in Russia and is not subject to Ukraine’s sanctions.
On Wednesday Croatian President Andrej Plenkovic wrote to the EU commission to say its oil pipeline connecting Adriatic ports where shipborne oil can be fed into the European network is “underutilised”.
Its import infrastructure exceeds national needs, he wrote in the letter seen by the Financial Times.
“The affected central European landlocked countries have the opportunity to use this alternative supply route to reduce, or even completely eliminate, their dependence on Russian oil,” he wrote.
He added that the Croatian oil transit company operating the pipeline, Janaf, “is willing to negotiate long-term contracts involving larger volumes to ensure energy supply security and reduce dependence”.
Janaf’s Adria pipeline capacity is of 14.3mn tonnes of oil annually, from its terminal on the island of Krk.
Currently Croatia buys 2mn tonnes and Serbia 3.3mn. MOL has a contract for 2.2mn tonnes a year until the end of 2024, Plenkovic said.
Szijjártó attacked the Croatian leader’s letter on social media, claiming it was co-ordinated with the commission to pressure Hungary.
“Croatia is simply not a reliable transit country. Since the war broke out, they have raised transit fees to five times the market average. They have made it impossible for MOL to secure long-term transport capacities.
“Moreover, they have not invested in necessary capacity increases, and the maximum capacity data they provide has never been verified,” Szijjártó wrote on Facebook.
“The suspension of oil supplies from the east would make Hungary and Slovakia completely vulnerable to an unreliable transit country.”
The Czech Republic still buys some products from Slovakia’s refinery.
Trade commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis on Thursday encouraged Budapest and Bratislava to use the Adria pipeline. He asked for evidence that Ukraine’s sanctioning of Lukoil has diminished supplies and said there was no need to raise the issue with Kyiv yet.
Hungary’s Moscow-friendly premier, Viktor Orbán, is now fighting Brussels on several fronts, while holding the rotating presidency of the EU until December 31.
His shuttle diplomacy between Moscow, Beijing and US presidential candidate Donald Trump’s home in Florida, has irked many member states. Orbán is also blocking EU reimbursements for weapons other capitals have sent to Ukraine.
Separately, home affairs commissioner Ylva Johansson said Budapest could be breaking EU law by loosening visa requirements for Russian and Belarusian citizens.
The new National Card system would allow those getting Hungarian residency free movement in the 29-country Schengen area.
In a letter to the government, she said it could amount to “de facto circumvention of the restrictions the Union has imposed” on some Russians and Belarusians. She asked for replies to questions by August 19 so she could judge if the system was compatible with EU law.
Hoo they realy want that sweet sweet Russian gas.
#Too bad
Orbán ❤️ Putin
So it’s really not about the oil.
Knowing how much EU still imports Russian oil my conspiracy theory is that ‘these sort of questions’ purposefully arise during Hungarian Presidency so nothing changes
He knows that his life is forfeit if he turns against Putania. You don’t simply leave the mob and cosy up with their enemy without creating drastic consequences for yourself.
“But if I stop sucking Putin’s cock he’ll stop paying me!”
Look Hungary… if you want to be without oil, go ahead. Who are we to judge you… But unfortunately for you, we are currently the only way you could get your oil now. It’s your choice.
I am wondering how an average Hungarian feels about being one of the most hated nations in the EU because of Orban.
Then they can piss in they refineries.
Too Bad fatty. Was clear from the beginning that this isnt about the Oil, its about crawling up Pootys ass.
Fuck Orban and Hungary.
The really funny thing about this is saying Croatia is ‘unreliable’, meaning that currently supplying country (Ukraine) is reliable??!
Can someone explain why is he siding with Putin and going against EU
Can someone from Hungary explain what’s the ultimate end goal here? It’s clear that Hungary is going against EU in every way possible, so much so that is becoming a thorn in the Europe’s ass. Do they want to have a Hexit and leave the union? I just can’t connect the dots.
Orban knows that everyone knows that he sucks Putin’s dick all day and night. He isn’t even trying to hide it anymore
of course. hungary would make much less money and Orban can’t have that. He spent all on keeping himself in power.
Croatia is not a reliable party
Literally buys oil flowing through a country bombarded and at war
Hungarian logic is Hungarian
Of course they do. Hungary always does the opposite of what’s is Besf for them
Dear Hungarians,
you‘ve got rid of the crazies in power 1988/89 – you can also get rid of this pos!
It’s probably at a higher price point, which will adversely affect their economy, which will make hurt orby’s hold on power… so, this is good news.
Where does Croatia get its gas from?
Ofcourse, he doesn’t want a solution. Populists never want solutions
When will EU say enough is enough and kick these clowns to the curb?
Hungarians know what to do with him so they should just get it over with.
What a disgrace he is for his country.
Orban is a fucking muppet
“I don’t want a solution. I want to be mad.”
Fine Orban… By the way, how do you like your vacation here in Croatia? Good to know we are reliable at least for tourism.
Because they care more about spreading fascism than oil.
“It has to be Putin’s peepee or no-one elses” – Viktor Orbán
Ukraine should destroy the pipeline now. Problem solved.
Sanction Hungary!
Is there anything us European citizens can do to free ourselves from the Russian Infiltration operation that is Hungary? Why do we allow this tiny unimportant country to destroy our future? Do we need to do nothing until war is inevitable?
Kick them out of the EU.
So Russian patsy being a giant douche, why am I not surprised…
Traitor of Europe really doesn’t want to lose official excuse for making business with russia and pushing unjustful peace aka capitulation of invaded sovereign nation. Why every scum on earth with undeniable bad traits loves Russia. Not really coincedence
Andrej Plenkovic is not the president. He is the prime minister.
blow up the pipeline