Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto.Photo: open sources
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has said that Ukraine’s European integration could be blocked by Bill 12380, which has been registered in the Verkhovna Rada. The document provides for a ban on the transit of Russian oil and gas through Ukraine under martial law.
The energy issue and Hungary’s claims
Szijjarto stressed that each EU member state has the sovereign right to choose its energy sources and routes. He criticised the possibility of “external influence” in this matter, saying:
“No one has the right to impose more expensive or less safe energy sources on another country.”
The Hungarian official added that Ukraine, as a country that aspires to EU membership, should contribute to the Union’s energy security, in particular by securing transport routes for oil and gas.
Threats to block Ukraine’s European integration
Siyarto said that the closure of transit routes contradicts the expectations that the EU has for a potential candidate for accession:
“A country that wants to become a member of the EU is obliged to contribute to the energy security of the Union.”
This statement reflects long-standing tensions between Kyiv and Budapest. Hungary has previously opposed Ukraine’s accession to the EU, in particular over the rights of the Hungarian minority in Transcarpathia.
Previously, the Hungarian government had repeatedly blocked joint EU statements on Ukraine and maintained dependence on Russian energy resources.
Reaction of Kyiv and partners
Ukraine has not yet provided an official response to this statement. However, European diplomats have previously criticised Hungary for its excessive dependence on Russian gas and for blocking joint EU decisions.
Energy independence remains a key topic for Ukraine as it fights Russian aggression. Draft Law No. 12380 is another element of this strategy.
