Summary
Hungary has stopped opposing a European Union-wide ban on Russian liquefied natural gas, helping advance the EU's latest sanctions against Russia. This action is part of broader efforts to pressure Russia financially over its ongoing war in Ukraine.
Key Facts
- Hungary no longer opposes the EU ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG).
- The EU requires all 27 member countries to agree for sanctions to take effect.
- Hungary and Slovakia were major importers of Russian fossil fuels as of August.
- The EU aims to reduce money flowing to Russia to weaken its war efforts.
- Hungary plans to diversify its energy sources, signing a long-term LNG deal with France's Engie.
- Hungary also looks to Turkmenistan as a potential new gas supplier.
- Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban has voiced concerns about sanctions impacting Europe's competitiveness.
- President Donald Trump has pledged to end the Ukraine war swiftly and has discussed Russian oil imports with Orban.
