Hungarian MEP Calls Out Ukraine

Hungarian MEP Tamas Deutsch has called on the European Commission to address what he describes as Ukraine's "blackmail" of Hungary and Slovakia regarding crude oil transit restrictions. Deutsch, who leads the ruling Fidesz party's delegation in the European Parliament, criticized the Commission for its perceived inaction in response to Ukraine's prohibition of Russian crude deliveries to the two EU member states. He argues that this move jeopardizes their energy security and breaches Ukraine's association agreement with the EU. In a recent public radio discussion, Deutsch emphasized the unprecedented nature of Ukraine's actions, which he claims are aimed at coercing Hungary and Slovakia into abandoning their neutral stance and joining a pro-war coalition against Russia. He accused Ukraine of prioritizing political objectives over energy security, suggesting that the country is willing to violate its commitments to the EU for its own gain. Fidesz has formally urged the European Commission to take decisive action against Ukraine's restrictions, asserting that the EU's failure to respond adequately undermines its obligations to support pro-peace initiatives. Deutsch criticized the Commission for allegedly allowing political interests to overshadow legal and economic considerations, claiming that Brussels is biased in favor of Ukraine. He warned that the EU's reluctance to confront Ukraine could embolden the country to further disregard the economic and security interests of Western European nations, potentially leading to more significant repercussions for the region's stability.