Hungary's Energy Minister Prepares for Critical EU Meeting Amid Tensions Over Gas Supply
Péter Szijjártó anticipates a 'brutal battle' at the EU Energy Council in Luxembourg regarding energy sanctions against Russia.
Péter Szijjártó, Hungary's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, has announced preparations for a significant confrontation at the upcoming EU Energy Council meeting on June 19 in Luxembourg.
His remarks highlight Hungary's opposition to the proposed Von der Leyen-Zelenszkij plan, which he claims threatens the economic stability of Central European countries, including Hungary and Slovakia.
Szijjártó argues the plan could lead to skyrocketing energy prices in Hungary, causing punitive economic consequences for its citizens.
The Minister stated that Hungary currently faces energy prices that are significantly higher than those in the United States and China, with gas prices reportedly two to three times higher in Europe compared to the U.S. and electricity costs four to five times greater than in China.
He attributed this decline in Europe's economic competitiveness to the 'failed Brussels policies and sanctions' which have pushed energy prices to unprecedented levels.
Szijjártó also noted that since the onset of the war in Ukraine, there have been ongoing efforts by Ukrainian officials to prompt the European Union to implement energy sanctions against Russia.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has consistently advocated for an EU ban on purchasing gas, oil, and nuclear fuel from Russia, a stance that Szijjártó believes would be disastrous for the Hungarian economy and energy supply.
At the meeting, Szijjártó intends to collaborate with his Slovak counterparts to collectively voice opposition to the sanctions.
He emphasized the need to protect Hungary's energy security, asserting that it is technically impossible to maintain the country's energy supply without Russian sources.
On the historical front, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán shared reflections on the 36th anniversary of Imre Nagy's reburial, emphasizing the significance of that event in Hungary's fight for democracy and sovereignty against Soviet influence.
In a video posted on social media, Orbán discussed key moments from Nagy's reburial and indicated that this day marked the end of communist rule in Hungary.
As negotiations regarding energy sanctions loom, Szijjártó is bracing for a challenging dialogue, advocating for Hungary's energy independence while contending with pressures from EU authorities.
He described the situation as characterized by 'brutal hypocrisy' from Brussels, accusing EU leaders of flouting European regulations regarding national energy policies.
In addition, recent data reported indicate that the Ukrainian conflict has resulted in an increase of approximately 430 billion euros in energy costs across EU member states during 2022 and 2023, exacerbating existing economic challenges and fueling the urgency of the upcoming discussions.
His remarks highlight Hungary's opposition to the proposed Von der Leyen-Zelenszkij plan, which he claims threatens the economic stability of Central European countries, including Hungary and Slovakia.
Szijjártó argues the plan could lead to skyrocketing energy prices in Hungary, causing punitive economic consequences for its citizens.
The Minister stated that Hungary currently faces energy prices that are significantly higher than those in the United States and China, with gas prices reportedly two to three times higher in Europe compared to the U.S. and electricity costs four to five times greater than in China.
He attributed this decline in Europe's economic competitiveness to the 'failed Brussels policies and sanctions' which have pushed energy prices to unprecedented levels.
Szijjártó also noted that since the onset of the war in Ukraine, there have been ongoing efforts by Ukrainian officials to prompt the European Union to implement energy sanctions against Russia.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has consistently advocated for an EU ban on purchasing gas, oil, and nuclear fuel from Russia, a stance that Szijjártó believes would be disastrous for the Hungarian economy and energy supply.
At the meeting, Szijjártó intends to collaborate with his Slovak counterparts to collectively voice opposition to the sanctions.
He emphasized the need to protect Hungary's energy security, asserting that it is technically impossible to maintain the country's energy supply without Russian sources.
On the historical front, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán shared reflections on the 36th anniversary of Imre Nagy's reburial, emphasizing the significance of that event in Hungary's fight for democracy and sovereignty against Soviet influence.
In a video posted on social media, Orbán discussed key moments from Nagy's reburial and indicated that this day marked the end of communist rule in Hungary.
As negotiations regarding energy sanctions loom, Szijjártó is bracing for a challenging dialogue, advocating for Hungary's energy independence while contending with pressures from EU authorities.
He described the situation as characterized by 'brutal hypocrisy' from Brussels, accusing EU leaders of flouting European regulations regarding national energy policies.
In addition, recent data reported indicate that the Ukrainian conflict has resulted in an increase of approximately 430 billion euros in energy costs across EU member states during 2022 and 2023, exacerbating existing economic challenges and fueling the urgency of the upcoming discussions.
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