Hungary Nears 2027 Completion of Serbia Oil Pipeline Amid EU Energy Tensions

Hungary is fast-tracking the construction of its section of a new crude oil pipeline linking Hungary and Serbia, aiming for completion by the end of 2027. This pipeline will extend the Russian Druzhba pipeline system, enabling Serbia to receive Russian crude oil directly and reinforcing energy security in Central Europe amid repeated Ukrainian attacks on existing infrastructure. The project is supported by Hungarian energy company MOL and Serbian operator Transnafta, with a planned capacity sufficient to supply Serbia's Pancevo refinery. Despite EU efforts to reduce reliance on Russian energy, Hungary continues to maintain strong energy ties with Russia, diverging from broader EU policies seeking to phase out Russian oil and gas by 2027. The move reflects concerns over energy supply disruptions and sanctions affecting Serbia's Russian-owned energy firm, while raising questions about EU cohesion on energy autonomy. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto emphasized the importance of this cooperation in response to regional energy security challenges exacerbated by the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.