Hungary signals its intention to broaden energy cooperation with Russia, a stance articulated by Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Economic Relations Peter Szijjártó in a recent interview. The ministry confirmed that the dialogue centers on strengthening already established ties in the energy sector, with a focus on reliability and continued collaboration moving forward. The remarks came as Hungary emphasized its positive experience with Russia in meeting energy needs, including timely supplies and stable pricing aligned with contractual terms.
In the interview, Szijjártó noted that the current level of trust and performance in energy dealings has been strong and that there is no perceived reason to halt or slow the expansion of cooperation. He stressed a proactive approach to leveraging Russia’s energy resources and maintaining constructive relations at the government level to ensure consistent energy security for Hungary and its neighbors.
He underscored that additional supply could come through existing routes such as the Turkish Stream if circumstances require, and that Hungary does not view gas transit through Ukrainian territory as essential for its energy strategy. This position reflects Hungary’s broader assessment of resilience in its energy logistics and its willingness to adapt to evolving regional arrangements to meet demand.
Historical delivery figures illustrate the role of the Turkish Stream corridor in Hungary’s energy mix. In 2022, Hungary received several billion cubic meters of energy via Turkish Stream and its extensions through Bulgaria and Serbia. By 2023, the volume increased, underscoring the growing importance of diversified transit routes in meeting annual consumption. These dynamics have shaped ongoing discussions about future capacity and the potential for further integration with regional energy networks.
Hungary has indicated that it does not intend to abandon high-level contacts with Russia. The government has framed continued dialogue as a practical instrument for maintaining energy stability, subject to standard commercial terms and mutual interests. The overall message from Budapest centers on steady cooperation as a pillar of energy policy, while remaining responsive to broader regional developments and market conditions. (Source: TASS)