In Copenhagen, the Prime Minister of Hungary Victor Orban ruled out any possible change for Russian oil. “We have no other choice, no one,” he told reporters, stressing that his country is not ready to give up oil imports from Russia.
Victor Orban clarified that US President Donald Trump never asked him to “close the oil” from Russia’s oil for Hungarybut she was limited to ask what the situation is. “This is a huge difference from Europeans, who are more aggressive than Americans,” he said.
By 2022, the European Union has banned the purchase of Russian oil in order to deprive Moscow resources for the funding of the war in Ukraine. But two countries were excluded: Hungary and Slovakia, which are largely dependent on Russian fuels.
The removal of this exemption would require the consensus of both Budapest and Bratislava, which blocks every development.
To overcome this obstacle, the European Commission is considering imposing duties on imports of Russian oil. Unlike energy sanctions, such commercial measures can be approved by a special majority, without the need for 27 unanimity.
Donald Trump has often condemned Russian oil markets by Europeans, which he described as “unforgiving”. Speaking to the United Nations on September 23, he had complained: “They are funding the war against them. Who has heard this before? ” However, the US president has never immediately targeted Hungary, showing leniency to Victor Orban, one of his closest allies in Europe.