Hungary's Orban Challenges EU's Russian Energy Ban, Calls It "Absurd"

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán denounces the European Unions energy sanctions against Russia as absurd, emphasizing Hungarys refusal to comply with the proposed oil and gas phase-out by 2028.

• During a recent meeting, EU energy ministers supported a proposal to phase out Russian oil and gas by 2028, which Hungarys Prime Minister Viktor Orbán vehemently opposes.
• Hungarys resistance is significant as the EUs ban on new gas transit agreements with Russia will take effect on January 1, 2026, impacting energy supply dynamics across the region.
• Orbáns comments reflect Hungarys unique position among EU member states, as it continues to rely heavily on Russian energy, unlike nations such as Slovakia and the Czech Republic.