The politician stated, "this decision by Ukraine is a clear violation of the Association Agreement."Continue reading
Bulgaria has offered to assist Hungary in overcoming the challenges posed by Ukraine’s ban on oil supplies from Russia’s Lukoil, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó announced.
After discussions with Bulgarian Energy Minister Vladimir Malinov, he stated they reviewed the impact of Ukraine’s actions on Hungary and Slovakia’s energy security. The Hungarian Foreign Minister condemned Ukraine’s move as “unacceptable,” saying it jeopardizes the energy security of both countries and violates the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement.
Péter Szijjártó noted that the trade policy committee had addressed the issue in Brussels, highlighting that some EU member states continue to take a political stance, excusing Ukraine’s actions despite clear violations.
It is clear that some EU member states continue to take a political stance,
and despite the fact that Ukraine’s actions violate the security of energy supply to Hungary and Slovakia in black and white and violate the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, they are trying to excuse Ukraine and are clearly ignoring internal EU solidarity,” he said.
Vladimir Malinov and Péter Szijjártó in Budapest (May 2024). Photo: Facebook / Szijjártó Péter
He expressed anticipation for the European Commission’s intervention, expecting consultations between the EU and Ukraine to lead to the lifting of the ban on Lukoil oil shipments.
The politician also emphasized Bulgaria’s reliability as a transit country, noting that a significant portion of Hungary’s gas supply comes through Bulgaria. Last year, 5.6 billion cubic meters of natural gas arrived in Hungary via Bulgaria, and this year, 3.9 billion cubic meters.
Bulgaria also respects all its obligations as a transit country,” he stressed.
Furthermore, Mr. Szijjártó appreciated Bulgaria’s offer to help with the oil supply situation despite the lack of a direct oil transport connection. “Although there is no direct oil transport connection, in example no pipeline between the two countries, he [Minister Malinov] indicated that if we need additional quantities of oil products, they can be delivered to Hungary by various means,” he said.
“It is another nice and genuine gesture of friendship from Bulgaria to offer this kind of assistance,” the Foreign Minister added.
Via MTI; Featured image: Pixabax