In recent weeks, a diplomatic spat has unfolded between Croatian Economy Minister Tomislav Šušnjar and Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó over the transport of Russian oil through the Adriatic Pipeline (JANAF). Hungary, along with Slovakia, requested Croatia's assistance in facilitating the transportation of Russian oil, invoking 'compliance with binding EU rules' after Ukraine had blocked oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline. This situation highlights the tensions within Europe regarding energy security and adherence to sanctions against Russia.

The correspondence between the ministers underscored Hungary's perceived hypocrisy, as it seeks to bypass sanctions for economic gain while referencing EU regulations and energy supply safety. Šušnjar's response was firm, emphasizing Croatia's principled stance; he asserted that JANAF would remain a reliable infrastructure and any utilization of it would not involve sanction violations or war profiteering. Croatia's position prioritizes national and European interests over political and economic pressures from its neighbors.

This diplomatic disagreement not only reveals the complexities of EU unity regarding sanctions but also brings to light broader geopolitical challenges in the energy sector. Hungary's push for Russian oil, juxtaposed against Croatia's adherence to sanctions, illustrates the delicate balance European nations must navigate as they seek to counteract the financial impacts of the conflict in Ukraine while ensuring energy security and compliance with international norms.