Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto on Tuesday strongly criticized a proposed European Commission plan to end imports of Russian energy, noting that it would jeopardize Hungary's energy security, reported Xinhua.
Speaking in Tiszaujvaros, Szijjarto said the proposal would place an undue burden on Hungary. Excluding Russian energy sources would cause serious difficulties for several European economies, undermine the competitiveness of European businesses, and drive up energy prices, he said.
The European Commission on Tuesday unveiled a new roadmap to end the European Union's (EU) reliance on Russian gas by 2027. The REPowerEU Roadmap sets out a phased and coordinated plan to halt imports of Russian natural gas, oil, and nuclear materials across the 27-member bloc, according to a press release by the Commission.
Under the proposal, the EU would immediately stop signing new contracts for Russian gas and terminate all existing spot market deals by the end of 2025. All remaining Russian gas imports would cease by the end of 2027.
Szijjarto warned that the move would infringe on national sovereignty. He emphasized that EU member states have the right to determine their own energy sources and suppliers, pointing out the practical limitations imposed by existing pipeline infrastructure.
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
