Hungary FM: Brussels Is Using Legal Sleight of Hand to Shut Off Gas

Brussels has opened yet another front in the energy-policy battlefield. On Wednesday, the European Parliament approved a proposal that would completely ban Russian natural gas from the European Union by the end of 2027. The decision directly threatens Hungary’s energy security and the utility costs paid by Hungarian families. Foreign Minister Peter Szijjato responded immediately, announcing that Hungary, together with Slovakia, will challenge the regulation—forced through by legal maneuvering—at the European Court of Justice.

Szijjártó Péter külgazdasági és külügyminiszter (Fotó: AFP)

The legal challenge is aimed at defending national interests and preventing Brussels’ political games from jeopardizing the energy security of Central Europe. Moreover, the plans do not stop with natural gas. The European Commission has indicated that it intends to propose legislation in early 2026 to phase out imports of Russian oil as well—another move that would further undermine supply security.

The Hungarian government remains committed to protecting the achievements of its utility-cost reduction policy and will not surrender national sovereignty over energy decisions.