The European Commission does not see a danger for Europe due to Ukraine’s refusal to transport Russian gas
24 July 2024 13:37
The European Commission has confirmed the receipt of an appeal from the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Hungary and Slovakia regarding the termination of Lukoil oil transit through the territory of Ukraine. This information was made public by European Commission spokesman Olof Gill at a briefing in Brussels on July 23, reports "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to RFE/RL.
According to Gill, the European Commission is currently studying the situation, but does not see any danger for Europe at the moment.
“We are currently studying the content of this letter and gathering more information before making any decision. As of now, there is no direct impact on the security of oil supplies to the EU.”
– said the official.
The spokesman emphasized that the European Commission constantly monitors the situation through the oil coordination group and maintains close contact with the authorities of Hungary and Slovakia. Gill also added that the European Commission is in contact with the Ukrainian side on this issue.
He emphasized an important procedural detail:
“Only the EU in the person of the European Commission, and not individual member states, can initiate any further procedures. Therefore, we are now considering the content of the letter and the details of this step by Ukraine. Then we will decide what measures to take.”
In addition, the spokesperson of the European Commission reported on the initiative of Hungary and Slovakia to hold a meeting of the Trade Policy Committee on July 24.
“It will give a little more opportunity for further discussion of the issue and more information to better assess the facts before making any decision.”
– noted the spokesperson.
The day before, Hungary accused Ukraine of violating the association agreement. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said his country could block the payment of 6.5 billion euros to Ukraine from the European Peace Fund due to the suspension of Russian oil transit.
Hungary vs Ukraine
Current Hungary is a long-standing supporter of Russia and an enemy of Ukraine. So, among other things, Hungary is delaying the adoption of legislation that would allow Ukraine to receive up to 2 billion euros from the EU for armaments at the expense of profits from frozen Russian assets.
After a long debate, EU countries agreed in May to use the proceeds from about 190 billion euros of frozen Russian assets stored in the Belgian depository Euroclear to buy weapons for Ukraine. However, Hungary opposed this, refusing the unanimous support of the EU for each payment to Ukraine. At the same time, Hungary does not seem to object in general, but has concerns about the automation of payments.
The situation is complicated by the fact that from July 1, Hungary will head the EU for half a year, which will give it more influence, and therefore it will be even more difficult for EU officials to convince it.
At the same time, Hungary will not block NATO’s decisions regarding Ukraine, but will not support them either.
Meanwhile, the European Union is looking for a new strategy: how to help Ukraine without Hungary’s consent.
