On June 16, 2025, Hungary and Slovakia voiced their opposition to a European Union (EU) proposal aimed at phasing out reliance on Russian energy sources, specifically natural gas and oil. The European Commission’s plan suggests banning imports of Russian gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) by the end of 2027. The proposal, which will be formally presented as legislation soon, can potentially be enacted without the consent of these two member states. Polish Minister for Climate and Environment, Paulina Hennig-Kloska, emphasized the urgency of diversifying Europe’s energy partnerships, reinforcing infrastructure, and investing in renewable sources to ensure energy security and sovereignty for Europe.
Hungary’s Foreign Minister, Péter Szijjártó, expressed strong disapproval of the initiative, arguing that energy policy falls under national jurisdiction. He claimed that promoting such plans jeopardizes Hungary’s energy security, especially in light of escalating tensions in the Middle East, thus advocating for the abandonment of the proposal altogether. Meanwhile, the Polish Presidency clarified that the document in question is not a binding “Council conclusion,” but rather an “ambitious proposal” designed to gauge member states’ opinions regarding the outlined road map for future energy sourcing.
The EU’s Commissioner for Energy, Dan Jørgensen, indicated that a new legislative proposal would be released shortly, largely due to substantial backing from multiple member states. When finalized, the Commission plans to use a legal framework that would allow the initiative to advance with a reinforced majority in the EU. This requires support from at least 15 of the 27 member nations, representing a minimum of 65% of the EU population, thereby circumventing full consensus.
Danish Minister for Climate and Energy, Lars Aagaard, conveyed a sense of urgency in achieving political consensus on the proposal, suggesting that rapid legislation could be concluded before the end of the year. If this occurs, he noted, it would be a major accomplishment for the presidency and the overall EU legislative agenda. Despite resistance from Hungary and Slovakia, the political momentum appears to favor action against Russian energy dependency, a sentiment echoed by various EU representatives.
Since 2021, the EU has made significant progress in reducing its energy dependence on Russia. Data reveals that Russian gas imports plummeted from 45% in 2021 to a projected 13% by 2025, while crude oil imports dramatically fell from 27% in 2022 to only 3% in 2024. Nonetheless, despite these reductions, Russia remains a supplier of not just gas and oil, but also nuclear materials to the EU, highlighting the complexities and challenges surrounding the complete severing of ties.
In summary, the opposition from Hungary and Slovakia presents challenges in the EU’s ongoing efforts to end reliance on Russian energy sources. However, the overall trend since 2021 indicates a substantial decrease in imports, underlining the EU’s commitment to energy diversification and security. With proposed legislation set to unfold, the upcoming decisions are pivotal for shaping Europe’s energy landscape, testing both the resolve of EU member states and their collective adaptability in navigating geopolitical tensions.
