RIGA - In relations with Hungary, the European Union (EU) is on the verge of a breakdown, although efforts to find common ground are ongoing, noted Andris Piebalgs, former EU Energy Commissioner and current Latvian representative in the support group for Ukraine’s EU accession, in an interview with LETA.
He denied that something might happen before the Hungarian parliamentary elections scheduled for April 12. However, after the elections, the situation will escalate, and if the Hungarian government’s stance does not change, procedures to revoke voting rights could be initiated.
"No one wants to initiate the withdrawal of voting rights, because that goes against solidarity and the very essence of the EU. But facts are facts and politics is politics, and decisions will have to be made," said Piebalgs.
When asked whether Hungary’s position - attempting to block sanctions against Russia and aid to Ukraine -is solely due to its dependence on Russian energy resources, Piebalgs noted that Hungary itself has created this dependence and has so far made no effort to reduce it.
"Building a nuclear reactor together with Rosatom, just as strengthening agreements on gas supplies, is Hungary’s own decision. However, EU laws will force the Hungarians to abandon their dependence on gas and oil. Consequently, energy must be set aside and we must look toward policy. And Hungary’s political stance is the blatant blocking of many joint EU decisions. Of course, after a while they withdraw their veto, thereby avoiding the loss of voting rights," said Piebalgs, reminded that the EU has adopted laws ending all purchases of Russian gas as of November 1, 2027, and no exceptions will be permitted anymore.
As reported, following the rise in energy prices caused by the conflict in the Middle East, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has called on the EU to suspend sanctions against Russia’s energy sector.
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