Concerns about the Friendship Line are being raised again in Brussels.
The European Commission continues to advocate for a complete ban on Russian oil, but Hungary and Slovakia’s exemptions may remain unchanged. The Friendship oil pipeline and the Paks Nuclear Power Plant shutdown were also discussed at the latest press briefing. The situation regarding the pipeline, which was damaged during Russian bombings in the spring, remains a concern, but Brussels is focused on promoting diversification, and there is no indication that the exemptions will be lifted soon.
The European Commission still aims for a complete ban on Russian oil, but Hungary and Slovakia have exemptions, and this is unlikely to change in the near future. The issue of the Friendship oil pipeline, which runs from Russia to Hungary, was raised at a Commission press briefing, where the potential shutdown of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, which threatens energy supplies, was also on the agenda. Given that the pipeline was damaged in Russian bombing in early January, and this possibility remains as long as the war continues, Brussels is focusing on supporting Hungary’s diversification, and does not currently plan to abolish the import exemption.
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