Slovakia and Hungary Slem EU plan to end the entire import of Russian gas

Russia’s allies in Eastern Europe say Brussels plans to end the entire import of Russian gas and energy in the coming years are tantamount to “economic suicide” and a threat to energy security and economy in the region.

The European Commission announced plans on Tuesday to terminate the import of Russian gas, nuclear energy and liquefied natural gas (BPG) until the end of 2027, stating that this move “made the way to guarantee the full energy independence of the EU from Russia.”

Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 EU to ban most imports of sea of ​​Russian oil, coal and refined petroleum productsBut the reduction of gas streams was more difficult. In 2024, nearly 19% of gas imports and liquefied natural gas still comes from Russia, According to the European Commission dataAlthough it has been reduced since 2021, when 45% of the gases in the region came from the main exporter of oil and gas.

The latest EU proposals have already sparked a fierce reaction from Eastern European countries, which are traditionally relying on the more cheaper energy supplies from Russia and which repeatedly warn of higher energy prices for consumers as a result of banning such supplies.

Slovakia and Hungary, whose governments maintain warm ties with Moscow, despite the war in Ukraine, have identified the latest EU plans as a “serious mistake” that will hurt the region.

“We acknowledge the strategic goal of reducing energy dependence on third countries. Slovakia is ready to work on this with the European Union, but … it is just an economic suicide to agree that neither gas, nor nuclear nor oil (it can be imported from Russia),” Friko, and maybe Russia and other countries “Slavakia In comments reported by the Slovational Information Agency Tasr and translated by Google.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Shijarto said on Wednesday that EU proposals were “politically motivated” and “serious mistake”.

“This threatens energy security, increases prices and violates sovereignty. They want to bear the price of their reckless support for Ukraine and its hasty accession to the EU. We firmly reject this,” ” The Minister commented on X.

Both Hungary and Slovakia have withdrawn against previous EU initiatives to reduce energy relations with Moscow, instead decided to maintain deliveries against the background of growing energy costs at home.

Both are also vocally critical of providing more military and financial assistance to Ukraine and have previously threatened to refuse to support the EU’s regular extensions against Russia. They both seemed to get discounts from the block Before approving their renewal, most recently in March.

Declacing its most plans to distance itself from Russia, the EU said on Tuesday that the “road map” to gradually eliminate all Russian imports of energy will first introduce a ban on all imports of Russian gas (both in the pipeline and in the Air Force) of new contracts, which will be in the end of 202.

Commission legislative proposals, to be presented in JuneIt will require approval by the European Parliament and a qualified majority of Member States, which means that plans cannot be vetoed by only several countries.

“We can accept it without unanimity”, ” European Energy Commissioner Dan Jogensen said at a press conference on TuesdayAdding, “I hope everyone will vote for it, obviously, but if they don’t, it’s also okay, it’s also part of the European Union, that sometimes the majority makes decisions when needed.”

He added that the block was currently in an “unacceptable situation” in which it was dependent on the Russian state and the leader, President Vladimir Putin, who “chose to arm energy.” He added that the import of Russian gas indirectly helped to fill the Kremlin’s “military chests” to continue his war against Ukraine.

The Commission said in its statement on Tuesday that it envisages a “gradual and well-coordinated” approach in Bloc, such as Member States, with Member States Requested to prepare national plans by the end of this year “Setting how they will contribute to the elimination of imports of Russian gas, nuclear energy and oil.” It is not certain whether Slovakia and Hungary will join the request.

CNBC has asked the Kremlin to respond to EU proposals and expects an answer.