Szijjarto: Hungary to only back sanctions package that ensures its energy supply

Speaking on the sidelines of a Syria donor conference in Brussels, Peter Szijjarto told Hungarian reporters that the EC’s latest sanctions package jeopardised the unified EU stance on ending European dependence on Russian energy.

If the sanctions are approved, Hungary would have to make enormous infrastructure investments and would also need to manage the effects of the measures on price increases, Szijjarto said.

He said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had been briefed in detail during her meeting with the prime minister on Monday on the effects the sanctions would have on Hungary. Hungary awaits Brussels’s proposals on how to resolve the situation, Szijjarto added.

Hungary’s energy supply rests on stable foundations; it is predictable and ensures the country’s ability to function, Szijjarto said. The EC’s sanctions package would “destroy this situation”, which Hungary will not allow, he said.