Hungary rejects faster end to Russian energy imports to the EU, minister says

Brussels, 18 September (CTK correspondent) - Hungary continues to reject a faster end to imports of Russian fossil fuels into the EU, Environment Minister Anikó Raisz indicated in Brussels today. The United States has called in recent days for an earlier end to imports of Russian energy into Europe. The EU originally called for an end to purchases of Russian oil and gas by the beginning of 2028, but its representatives are now also discussing bringing the deadline forward.

"I think you know our position. We are one of the few landlocked countries in the region. Our position has always been guided by Hungary's energy security," Raisz told reporters in Brussels when asked whether Hungary would support a faster end to imports of Russian fossil fuels or further sanctions on Russian oil and gas.

On Wednesday, Poland called on other EU member states to stop importing Russian fossil fuels by the end of 2026. Russian gas and oil continue to flow mainly to Hungary and Slovakia.

"We have no coastline, we have solar energy, we have much more of it than we used to, but we know the reality. Our position is always based on pragmatism and realism," the Hungarian minister said in Brussels today.

"We have very important tasks ahead of us, but we cannot dream. Let's find solutions that work. This applies to the climate, to energy, to everything," she added.