Story perspectives

Hungary Lifts EU Loan Veto After Druzhba Oil Resumes

4/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Hungary lifted veto on €90 billion EU loan after Russian crude resumed flowing through Druzhba pipeline on April 22.
EU ambassadors approved loan, with Cypriot presidency expecting signing by April 23 afternoon.
Repairs to the Druzhba pipeline let oil move, shipments to Hungary, Slovakia due day, while incoming prime minister Peter Magyar said he will keep imports and end dependence by 2035, as Prime Minister Robert Fico called resumption good news.

History

Historical Context

The Druzhba pipeline, inaugurated in 1970, has been crucial for oil transport from the Soviet Union to Eastern Europe, with Hungary relying on it for about 80% of its oil. Following a Russian drone strike in January 2026 that halted oil deliveries, Hungary's Prime Minister Peter Magyar aims to reduce this dependency by 2035, impacting EU energy policy and regional stability.

1 of 2

Story summary

Hungary lifted veto on €90 billion EU loan after Russian crude resumed flowing through Druzhba pipeline on April 22.
EU ambassadors approved loan, with Cypriot presidency expecting signing by April 23 afternoon.
Repairs to the Druzhba pipeline let oil move, shipments to Hungary, Slovakia due day, while incoming prime minister Peter Magyar said he will keep imports and end dependence by 2035, as Prime Minister Robert Fico called resumption good news.

1 / 2