Amid ongoing efforts to isolate Russia economically following its invasion of Ukraine, Hungary is continuing to pursue energy deals with Moscow, a move that is intensifying tensions within the European Union. Prime Minister Viktor Orban recently traveled to Moscow seeking favorable terms for oil and gas imports, despite EU sanctions and calls for energy independence from Russia. The visit has drawn sharp criticism from key EU member states like Germany, raising questions about Hungary’s commitment to the bloc’s unified front against President Putin’s government.
As the European Union moves to phase out Russian energy imports, Hungary continues to defy the consensus. A recent visit to Moscow by Hungarian Prime Minister Orban aims to secure more favorable import terms, drawing sharp criticism from Germany.
Despite the ongoing war in Ukraine and the resulting EU sanctions against Russia, Hungary intends to continue purchasing Russian oil. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated this during a meeting with Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
Orban emphasized that energy supplies from Russia are “the foundation of Hungary’s energy supply and will remain so in the future.” With parliamentary elections scheduled in his country in April, Orban also hopes to negotiate lower prices for oil and gas imports with Putin.
EU Aims for Complete Import Halt
This move deepens Hungary’s divergence from the EU’s stance. EU sanctions include a broad ban on Russian oil imports. Member states still sourcing oil from Russia are expected to submit plans to phase out these imports by the end of 2028 at the latest. The EU also plans to completely halt Russian gas imports by the end of 2027.
However, Hungary is heavily reliant on Russian energy resources and has repeatedly used its veto against EU sanctions.
Merz Criticizes Orban’s Trip to Moscow
Friedrich Merz, a leading German politician, strongly criticized Orban’s renewed visit to Putin. He stated that the Hungarian prime minister traveled to Moscow “without a European mandate” and “without consulting us.” Merz recalled Orban’s visit to Moscow in July 2024, “immediately after taking over the European Council presidency.” He added that the visit was not only “unsuccessful” but was also followed by “the most intense attacks by Russian forces, including against civilian infrastructure and civilian targets in Ukraine.”
Slovenia’s prime minister also condemned Orban’s trip. “I fear Viktor Orban has not been playing for the European team for a long time,” the dpa news agency quoted him as saying. “We do not expect any benefit, any advantage from this visit,” Golob continued, adding that Orban is primarily acting in his own interests.
