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Foreign Minister: Solution Emerging for Gazprombank Sanctions

MTI-Hungary Today 2024.12.04.

Hungary has addressed concerns regarding US sanctions on Russia’s Gazprombank, ensuring the nation’s energy security remains intact, the Foreign Minister announced. Speaking to MPs, Péter Szijjártó highlighted solutions for three of Hungary’s four concerns, affirming the country’s ability to maintain reliable energy supplies despite the restrictions.

The US recently sanctioned Gazprombank, used by several European nations for energy payments. Minister Szijjártó criticized the move, claiming it disproportionately affects southeast and Central European countries, many of which align politically with President-elect Donald Trump.

How allied this is, I think, is open to debate, particularly given that the US has exempted Russian banks used for uranium imports,” he noted.

Highlighting perceived inconsistencies, he questioned why banks facilitating uranium payments remain unsanctioned while those enabling gas purchases face penalties.

Hungary has prioritized energy diversification to reduce reliance on Russian gas. This year marked the arrival of Azeri and Turkish gas in Hungary, with negotiations underway for Qatari LNG imports post-2027. However, infrastructure limitations in southeast Europe pose challenges. “The gas pipeline system cannot do more than that,” the minister said, emphasizing the need for EU support in expanding energy networks.

On Hungary’s electric vehicle industry, he stated that while global investment slows, domestic projects continue unabated.

Electric car factories are here, they want to produce, and they need batteries,” he affirmed.

In a broader context, Péter Szijjártó noted that Israel’s football teams now choose Hungary for international matches due to safety concerns in Western Europe. This development underscores Hungary’s role as a reliable partner amid growing geopolitical tensions. With legal solutions in place, Hungary remains focused on securing energy and fostering industrial growth.

There Is No Good Alternative to Russian Energy, Says Foreign Minister
There Is No Good Alternative to Russian Energy, Says Foreign Minister

The politician drew attention to the hypocrisy of the sanctions policy.Continue reading

Via MTI; Featured Image: Facebook / Szijjártó Péter


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