Szijjarto: Hungary, Croatia to expand energy cooperation, pipeline capacity

After talks with Croatian energy minister Davor Filipovic, Szijjarto said that Prime Minister Viktor Orbán had successfully ensured the exemption of pipeline deliveries from the European Union’s sanctions against Russian crude oil. Hungary’s supplies are now secure, but a diversity of resources remains key to maintaining full energy security, the minister said.

Oil for the most part is delivered to Hungary via the Friendship pipeline which passes through Ukraine. Szijjarto said Hungary must prepare for the “impossibility” of these deliveries, noting that “we have heard that the Ukrainians are threatening to stop transits”.

Expanding the capacity of the Adria pipeline would guarantee Hungary and Slovakia secure supplies, he said.

He welcomed Croatia’s readiness to do this as part of a long-term energy cooperation agreement.

Tariffs and capacity commissions will be discussed by Hungarian and Croatian companies later on Tuesday, he said.

“The point is that the Croatian and Hungarian governments are both ready to ensure, in the framework of long-term energy security cooperation, that the capacity needed to deliver the crude supplies … is provided,” he said.

“Hungary’s energy supplies are secure today … but we have to be prepared for emergencies,” he said.