Hungary has defended its continued purchase of Russian oil, arguing that it has no alternative sources to guarantee its energy security. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said that while some countries secretly import Russian oil through intermediaries, Hungary buys it openly due to necessity.
He emphasized the physical limitations of energy supply routes, noting that Hungary’s request for EU support to expand gas supplies in Southeast Europe was rejected. At the same time, Croatia increased transit fees to levels far above the European benchmark, making regional cooperation more difficult.
Szijjártó underlined that Hungary must cooperate with Russia to ensure uninterrupted energy flows, pointing out that the country’s geographic and infrastructural situation leaves it with limited options.
He also highlighted the importance of regional transport development, saying that stability in the South Caucasus could create new opportunities for East-West transit links. Hungary, he added, is already investing in railways and roads to strengthen freight transport connections.