Orbán urges return of Russian energy as EU rejects shift

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has called on the European Union to reconsider restrictions on Russian oil and gas, arguing that restoring imports would ease price pressures and improve energy security. The proposal was rejected by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who warned that returning to Russian fossil fuels would be a “strategic mistake.” At the same time, Vladimir Putin signaled Russia is ready to resume supplies if requested.

 Economic argument versus strategic policy

Orbán argues that EU energy restrictions are contributing to higher costs and economic strain, particularly in Central Europe. Hungary continues to rely on Russian supplies delivered via the TurkStream gas pipeline and the Druzhba oil pipeline, and has consistently said landlocked countries face limited alternatives. Brussels rejects that approach. Von der Leyen said restoring Russian imports would recreate dependency on Moscow, which the EU has been working to reduce since 2022 through diversification, including LNG imports and renewables.

 Russia signals supply readiness

Putin has positioned Russia as a willing supplier, saying deliveries could resume if Europe requests them. Russian exports to the EU have declined sharply since 2022, but some flows continue through remaining infrastructure.

 Strategic question for the EU as regional divide widens

Slovakia has aligned with Hungary. Prime Minister Robert Fico has called for restoring oil flows and indicated Bratislava could support Hungary’s position in EU negotiations. At the same time, supply disruptions linked to the Druzhba outage have already led Slovakia to introduce temporary fuel measures, highlighting the region’s exposure.

The debate reflects a broader divide. Hungary and Slovakia emphasize short-term supply security and cost, while most EU states prioritize long-term independence from Russian energy. The core issue is unresolved: whether economic pressure will push the EU to adjust its policy, or whether it will continue reducing reliance on Russian fossil fuels despite the costs.