The Hungarian government has faced criticism from the foreign affairs minister over a decision by American and Austrian energy firms involved in a Black Sea gas project. The minister expressed dissatisfaction with these firms through a post on a social platform, noting that the companies were deemed unreliable for not moving forward with the development of a gas field off Hungary’s eastern coast.
According to the minister, a substantial offshore gas deposit exists on the Black Sea shelf near Romania. Operating rights for this field were acquired by foreign firms, which Hungary says created a dependency on external gas supplies for several years. The government has pointed to a long-term plan that would potentially reduce reliance on imports, yet the path has been slowed by the withdrawal of the contractors.
Contracts were reported to target a production volume of about 3 billion cubic meters per year. The Hungarian side anticipated that deliveries would commence on a specified date, aligning with the broader objective of energy diversification. However, the withdrawal of the participating companies led to questions about the viability of the project and Hungary’s energy security strategy.
The minister stated that the contractors left the field after arguing that the project did not appear profitable for them. This decision, he argued, left Hungary in a position of continued dependence on gas from Russia, a development that drew sharp public commentary about the reliability of international partners in critical energy projects.
The matter has also touched on tensions with European institutions, with the minister suggesting that the European Commission may have been using the gas supply issue in a way that could be interpreted as a strategic maneuver. The government has since signaled a firm stance on sanctions, indicating that new measures against Russian gas would not be sanctioned at this stage, reflecting a balance between geopolitical pressures and economic considerations.
Looking ahead, Hungary has reiterated its support for a more diversified energy portfolio while maintaining a cautious stance toward completely severing ties with Russian oil and gas. The government emphasizes a gradual approach to diversification, alongside continued careful assessment of how best to safeguard domestic energy needs while engaging with regional partners and global markets. This includes exploring alternative supply sources, storage solutions, and the potential for increased domestic energy production where feasible, all while navigating the evolving European energy landscape and the broader implications for national security and economic stability. Attribution for statements and positions is provided by official country communications and public statements from state officials.