Hungarians Are Outraged by Ukrainian Oil Sanctions

69 percent of Hungarians are outraged that Ukraine wants to restrict oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia, and 77 percent expect Brussels to mediate between the parties, according to a survey conducted by the Nezopont Institute. The survey highlights that last week, the European Commission - re-elected by the Hungarian left -announced that it would not assist member states.

The Nézőpont Institute has conducted a survey to gauge Hungarians' opinions on Ukraine's sanctions affecting crude oil transport to Hungary and Slovakia. The survey emphasizes that the Ukraine-Russia war seems to be escalating in August. Ukraine, which was attacked by the Russians two and a half years ago, has launched an offensive against Russian territories this summer. As part of this escalation, Kyiv has announced 

a partial stoppage of Russian crude oil supplies transiting through its territory to Hungary and Slovakia.

Although this measure does not threaten the gasoline supplies of the two EU member states, it is a considerable surprise given the assistance these countries have provided to Ukraine.

Even supporters of Ferenc Gyurcsány and Péter Magyar appear to disagree with Ukraine's sanctions

According to Nézőpont's latest survey, 

69% of Hungarians find the sanctions unacceptable, while 22% find them acceptable. Even among supporters of DK and Tisza, a relative majority of 47% share the same negative view of the sanctions. 

Truthfully, both camps are divided, with 39% and 43%, respectively, finding the Ukrainian sanctions acceptable. This indicates a mixed attitude toward the sovereignty issue within the left and its voter base.

Furthermore, Ukraine's decision to impose oil sanctions unilaterally violates a bilateral international treaty, yet the Brussels elite, known for its sensitivity to rule-of-law issues, remains notably unfazed. As reported, the European Commission decided last week that, since the Ukrainian sanctions do not impact the energy security of Hungary and Slovakia, it does not plan to mediate between the parties. Consequently, the recently re-elected European Commission, supported by MEPs from the Hungarian opposition DK and Tisza parties, is not only failing to uphold its own treaty obligations but also not meeting the expectations of the Hungarian people.

When asked whether the European Union should take action to resolve the oil dispute, 77% of Hungarians said yes, while only 16% said no. Notably, 68% of Tisza voters and 58% of DK voters also supported EU intervention.

Regardless of party affiliation, there is broad consensus among Hungarians that the EU should act to resolve the situation

The possibility of Hungary responding to the oil sanctions by withholding electricity supplies to Ukraine has been discussed in public debates. Currently, this idea does not have overwhelming support; only 47% of Hungarians would find it acceptable, while 42% would not. Factors such as the availability of gasoline from state reserves and public confidence in Hungary's negotiating efforts likely contribute to this cautious stance. However, if a deal is not reached, public sentiment could shift, and, given the strong opposition to Ukrainian sanctions, support for counter-measures might increase, the analysis suggests.

The survey by the Nézőpont Institute was conducted from July 29 to July 31, 2024, with 1,000 people interviewed by telephone. The sample is representative of the population aged 18 and over, including factors such as gender, age, region, type of municipality, and education level.el.

Cover photo: Receiving point of the Friendship II Oil Pipeline at MOL's Danube Refinery, in Hunderthalombatta (Photo: MTI/Zsolt Szigetvary)