Inese Vaidere, a Member of the European Parliament from Latvia, has urged the European Commission (EC) not to pressure Ukraine into reinstating the operation of the Druzhba oil pipeline that facilitates Russian oil deliveries to Hungary and Slovakia. In her letter to EC President Ursula von der Leyen and the EU Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen, Vaidere highlights media reports that indicate the EC's request for Kyiv to allow a visit aimed at assessing measures for resuming oil flows. She argues that expecting Ukraine to maintain or restore a transit route for Russian oil exports to EU member states is 'morally and ethically unacceptable.'

Vaidere emphasizes that Croatia has expressed readiness to fully supply Hungary and Slovakia with non-Russian oil through the Adriatic pipeline, suggesting a viable alternative for the two countries that would reduce their reliance on Russian oil. This shift appears to align with wider EU efforts to decrease dependence on Russian energy, particularly in the wake of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The overall context is a growing urgency among European nations to bolster energy independence and find sustainable energy solutions that don't compromise ethical standards in light of the current geopolitical situation.

This plea from the Latvian MEP underscores the complexities surrounding energy imports from Russia amid the war in Ukraine. As Europe grapples with the ongoing energy crisis fueled by the conflict, the pressure on Ukraine to restore these oil supplies raises significant ethical questions and illustrates the ongoing debates within the EU regarding energy policy and reliance on Russian resources. Vaidere's call for alternative energy sources through Croatia may highlight a potential pathway for more equitable energy solutions within the EU, promoting solidarity among member states while reducing unethical dependency on Russian oil.