Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó traveled to Russia amid ongoing debates inside the European Union about how much autonomy member states should retain in shaping foreign policy. The remarks from EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell were cited by TASS as framing the visit within the larger context of national versus collective policy making.
Speaking about the trip, the minister asserted that yesterday’s meetings in Brussels and today’s in Moscow illustrate a simple point: foreign policy is a national prerogative. He stressed that member states are free to engage with global capitals such as Moscow or Beijing in ways that reflect their own strategic priorities, complementing, but not replacing, a unified EU approach.
While acknowledging the goal of a common EU foreign policy, the diplomat cautioned that partnership among member states does not automatically translate into identical policy choices or complete political alignment. The emphasis was on preserving diverse national strategies within a framework of shared interests and collective actions where feasible.
During his Russian visit, the Hungarian side highlighted a meeting on August 30 with Gazprom chief Alexey Miller. The discussions focused on energy cooperation and the role it plays in Hungary’s energy security. The ministry indicated that this cooperation remains important for ensuring reliable energy supply, especially as the heating season is scheduled to begin on October 1. The dialogue underscores Hungary’s intent to maintain diversified energy channels while balancing its commitments to EU energy policy and market stability.
Earlier, EU discussions on energy or related policy were marked by tension between Budapest and Brussels, with positions unaligned on several issues. The scheduling and outcomes of meetings have reflected ongoing negotiations about how EU rules should be applied and whether adjustments are needed to accommodate national interests without undermining the broader union framework.
Past statements from Hungarian officials have criticized perceptions in the EU regarding energy purchases and the role of external suppliers. The discussions pointed to questions about how EU member states evaluate energy sources and routes, and how those evaluations influence the bloc’s overall energy strategy. The dialogue highlighted a balance between safeguarding national energy security and meeting EU commitments to market openness and competitive pricing.