Hungary, Slovakia Oppose EU Russian Energy Import Ban by 2027

Hungary, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, strongly opposes the European Union's plan to ban Russian oil and gas imports by 2027, warning that such a ban would significantly increase energy costs and harm the Hungarian economy. Slovakia shares similar concerns, while Italy fully supports the EU's efforts to phase out Russian gas imports. The European Commission plans to propose a roadmap banning new Russian gas deals by the end of 2025 and phasing out existing contracts by 2027, using mechanisms like setting a zero quota on Russian gas imports that can be approved by a qualified majority vote. This approach aims to allow EU companies to invoke force majeure to terminate contracts without penalty, circumventing the need for unanimous approval which Hungary and Slovakia are unlikely to provide. Instead of a direct ban, the EU may impose tariffs on Russian gas to make imports economically unviable, encouraging companies to exit contracts. The EU seeks to balance legal feasibility and member states' divergent positions while striving to reduce dependence on Russian energy.