Hungary Risks EU Clash Over Russian Energy Imports

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief reporting from Budapest, Hungary

BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Hungary’s new government signaled Monday it will continue buying Russian energy despite European Union plans to phase out imports of Russian oil and natural gas, raising the prospect of an early confrontation with Brussels.

Incoming Economy and Energy Minister István Kapitány said Hungary wants to diversify its energy supplies after years of heavy dependence on Russia, but warned Budapest would not fully sever ties with Moscow.

“We don’t want to wean ourselves off Russian energy; we want to stand on several legs,” Kapitány, a former Shell executive, told reporters after his parliamentary confirmation hearing.

“We have two oil pipelines, and we have to use them. We must always procure energy from the cheapest and most reliable sources,” he added.

The remarks marked the first major policy difference between the government of Prime Minister Péter Magyar and the EU, despite Magyar’s pledge to restore Hungary’s standing in Europe after 16 years of divisive rule under former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

EU FUNDING

The EU is seeking to ban Russian energy imports. By last year, only about 3 percent of the bloc’s oil imports still came from Russia, mainly destined for Hungary and Slovakia.

Kapitány also said the new government would not interfere in the operations of partially state-owned oil company Mol, which continues importing Russian crude and has previously clashed with Croatia over pipeline capacity linked to alternative supplies.

At the same time, incoming Foreign Minister Anita Orbán — who is not related to Viktor Orbán — promised a more cooperative approach toward the EU.

Speaking before lawmakers, she said Hungary would use its veto power only “as a last resort,” distancing the new administration from the confrontational tactics often employed by the previous government.

“Too often, Hungary has been a problem in Europe’s decision-making,” she said. “We used the veto not as a last resort, but for political theater.”

EDUCATION REFORMS

She added that one of the government’s main priorities is restoring access to tens of billions of euros in EU funding suspended over rule-of-law concerns during the Orbán era.

Also in parliament, incoming Education and Children’s Affairs Minister Judit Lannert pledged sweeping reforms during her hearing before the National Assembly’s education committee.

She promised the rehabilitation of teachers dismissed for acts of civil disobedience, the restoration of teachers’ strike rights, and a review of Hungary’s National Education Law.

“It’s a great thing that after 16 years, education has its own independent ministry,” said the ministerial candidate, an economist and sociologist by training, referring to the Orbán era.

Separately, Prime Minister Magyar appointed three female journalists as government spokespersons and pledged openness toward a critical and independent press.

Under Viktor Orbán’s administration, those roles were often filled by senior Fidesz politicians and state secretaries.

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