Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban reaffirmed Hungary’s ongoing stance against the European Union’s embargo on Russian gas, stressing that Budapest does not stand alone in this position. He conveyed the message during a joint press conference in Vienna with the Austrian chancellor, underscoring a shared concern about the potential impact of such sanctions on Hungary and the broader regional energy landscape. The remarks were reported by DEA News and mirrored the close coordination between Hungary and Austria on this issue.
Orban described the gas embargo as a formidable barrier, a wall that could disrupt energy supply security and natural gas markets across Europe. He urged the European Union to reconsider the path of sanctioning energy imports from Russia, arguing that the measure would harm the bloc as a whole and could backfire economically, particularly for member states that rely heavily on Russian gas. The prime minister highlighted the need for practical energy policy that safeguards supply while maintaining political consensus among EU members.
The Hungarian leader noted explicit support from Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, emphasizing that the Austrian government shared concerns about the feasibility and consequences of enforcing a Russian gas embargo. He argued that imposing such a ban could lead to unintended consequences, potentially destabilizing energy prices and supply chains within the European Union, and suggested that alternative approaches should be explored to address the issue of Russian energy dependence without triggering severe disruption.
During discussions on July 1, Orban asserted that Hungary would not engage with proposals that might lead to a reduction in Russian gas flows. He stressed that any policy move should be carefully evaluated for its downstream effects on Hungarian households and industry, and that the government would resist measures perceived as risky or impractical without solid offer of compensating safeguards for the economy and consumers.
On July 14, Foreign Affairs and Foreign Economic Relations Minister Péter Szijjártó reiterated Hungary’s position, stating that the country was not prepared to discuss an embargo on Russian gas and would not back sanctions targeting Gazprom or Gazprombank. The minister pointed to the broader geopolitical and economic realities at play, arguing that punitive steps toward Russia without viable alternatives could destabilize energy markets and undermine Hungary’s economic interests in the long run.
Earlier reporting indicated that Slovakia’s new government could be inclined to follow Hungary’s example and oppose the embargo on Russian gas. The developments reflect a regional pattern where several Central European states weigh national energy security, domestic economic stability, and political feasibility when shaping their responses to EU energy policy and sanctions regimes. The dialogue among these governments suggests a nuanced approach that prioritizes reliable energy access while seeking coordinated, pragmatic measures to address the broader strategic challenges posed by Russia’s energy dominance.