Hungary"s FM discusses future Gazprom contracts amid EU tensions

Hungary's Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó recently engaged in a three-hour meeting with Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller in St. Petersburg, following a contentious EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting. This visit came less than a day after Szijjártó faced criticism from EU counterparts regarding Hungary's stance on the war in Ukraine and its immigration policies for Russians and Belarusians. Despite the tensions, Szijjártó emphasized the importance of energy security for Hungary, asserting that the country cannot ensure its energy needs without Russian gas. During the meeting, Szijjártó expressed satisfaction with Hungary's energy cooperation with Russia, highlighting the courage it takes to maintain such a position in the current European climate. Unlike many EU nations, Hungary has not agreed to reduce its imports of Russian gas, which has been a contentious issue amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Last October, Hungary secured new agreements with Gazprom to increase gas imports for the winter heating season, further solidifying its reliance on Russian energy. Szijjártó's remarks reflect a broader divergence in energy policy within the EU, where some member states are pushing for reduced dependence on Russian energy sources. His visit underscores Hungary's commitment to maintaining its energy ties with Russia, even as the EU grapples with the implications of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The meeting with Gazprom's leadership signals Hungary's intent to continue pursuing energy agreements that prioritize national security, despite potential backlash from other EU members. This approach may have significant implications for Hungary's future relations within the EU and its energy strategy moving forward.