Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has expressed dissatisfaction with the European Commission's recent response regarding the Druzhba pipeline and Russian oil transit. After a joint letter from Hungary and Slovakia requesting the suspension of oil transit via the pipeline, the Commission took ten days to reply, stating that Hungary and Slovakia do not face supply issues. This response has upset Szijjártó, who feels it shows a preference for Ukrainian interests over those of EU member states like Hungary and Slovakia.

Szijjártó accused Brussels of colluding with Croatia to obstruct the importation of Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia through sea routes, highlighting a broader struggle over energy supplies amid the ongoing conflict involving Russia and Ukraine. He argued that both Hungary and Slovakia possess the legal right to procure Russian oil via sea if they cannot receive it through the pipeline, standing by their claims of needing to secure oil supplies.

The implications of this ongoing dispute are significant, as it highlights tensions within the EU concerning energy dependency on Russia and the differing stances of member states on how to address it. As Hungary and Slovakia navigate their energy needs while balancing EU regulations and responses to the crisis, the situation could complicate broader EU energy policies and unity regarding sanctions against Russia.