Steven N.Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Charles Michel, President of the European Council, helds talks together on a video call, reports MTI. Their discussions focused on the effects that the war in Ukraine is having on the EU, in preparation for the next EU summit scheduled for May 30-31.
In addition to military and food security, the two sides also discussed the planned next round of EU sanctions, which will affect the Russin energy sector. As related by the state news agency, Orbán told the European Council President that a solution to Hungary’s supply concerns needed to be found.
While the government had previously rejected any energy-related sanctions in connection with Russia, Hungary has since voted to ban Russian coal imports, and communication from the government has repeatedly stated that they would also vote for an oil embargo under certain conditions.
However, these conditions are quite steep: a financial package of around €15-18 billion (US $15.9-19.0 billion) to modernize the entire Hungarian energy structure, or an exemption from pipeline oil transportation. [Telex]
