Russia–Hungary: energy continuity highlights divisions within the EU

In late November, energy relations between Hungary and Russia once again underscored internal divisions within the European Union regarding sanctions and energy security. On November 28, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán travelled to Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, with discussions focusing on Hungary’s energy supply and the situation in Ukraine.

Following the meeting, the Hungarian Prime Minister reaffirmed Budapest’s intention to continue importing Russian hydrocarbons, describing them as stable and predictable. This stance contrasts with the European Union’s broader strategy to significantly reduce its dependence on Russian energy by 2027, as part of successive sanctions packages adopted since 2022.

The visit took place against a backdrop of heightened tensions between Hungary and EU institutions. Earlier in November, the Hungarian government announced its intention to challenge before European courts the EU’s latest sanctions measures aimed at eliminating remaining imports of Russian gas.

This development illustrates the ongoing divisions within the EU regarding energy sanctions policy. It highlights the challenge of balancing national energy security concerns with sanctions enforcement and European cohesion. For companies active in the energy sector or involved in sensitive supply chains, such divergences reinforce the importance of closely monitoring regulatory and geopolitical developments, as well as assessing compliance risks linked to evolving sanctions frameworks.