EU Parliament Opposes Exemptions for Landlocked States in Russian Energy Ban

The European Parliament is currently engaged in discussions regarding a proposed ban on Russian energy imports, following a June 2025 initiative by the European Commission aimed at eliminating the EU's energy dependency on Russia by 2027. EU sources indicate that the Parliament opposes granting exemptions to landlocked member states, such as Hungary and Slovakia, which have been suggested to receive allowances for importing Russian oil and gas in the event of a supply disruption. This stance is part of a broader effort to ensure that Russian fossil fuels are completely removed from the EU's energy mix.

EuronewsGovernment to Sue Brussels if “Deceptive” Plan to Ban Russian Energy Adopted

While the European Parliament advocates for a strict ban on all Russian energy imports, including through intermediary countries, member states have expressed concerns regarding energy security. Hungarian Foreign Affairs Minister Péter Szijjártó has criticized the proposed legislation, arguing that it undermines Hungary's energy sovereignty and could jeopardize the country's energy security. He stated, “They call it diversification, but in reality, it cuts one of our vital oil routes.”

Government to Sue Brussels if “Deceptive” Plan to Ban Russian Energy Adopted

Conversely, some EU lawmakers argue that ongoing pipeline projects in Bulgaria and Romania could provide alternative energy sources, thus mitigating the impact on landlocked countries. These projects are expected to be operational by 2026 and 2027, allowing for a transition away from Russian energy.

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Romania's completion of the Tuzla-Podisior pipeline is seen as a significant step towards energy diversification. This pipeline is part of the Neptun Deep project, which aims to increase gas supply capacity to Hungary and Slovakia. Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen has been in discussions with Hungarian multinational oil and gas company MOL to explore alternatives to Russian energy, including the Croatian Janaf pipeline.

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However, MOL representatives have raised concerns about the readiness of the Janaf pipeline, indicating that it has not yet been developed sufficiently to meet the energy demands of Hungary and Slovakia. They highlighted issues with the Croatian section's capacity and reliability, which could hinder the transition away from Russian energy sources.

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In response to the proposed ban, Hungary has threatened to take legal action against the EU if the legislation is perceived as a deceptive measure that undermines national energy security. Szijjártó emphasized that the regulation, which he views as a sanction, should be adopted unanimously, and he plans to challenge it in the European Court of Justice if passed. He criticized the EU's approach as a violation of member states' rights to manage their energy supplies.

Government to Sue Brussels if “Deceptive” Plan to Ban Russian Energy Adopted

The ongoing negotiations within the EU reflect a complex interplay between energy security, national sovereignty, and the overarching goal of reducing reliance on Russian energy. As discussions continue, the outcome will have significant implications for landlocked member states and their energy strategies moving forward. The next round of political talks is scheduled for Thursday, with EU negotiators aiming for a consensus before the Christmas deadline.

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