Hungary and Slovakia remain heavily reliant on Russian oil, with reports arguing this dependence is a political choice rather than a necessity; as EU reduces Russian gas, oil imports, the stand-off shows the political and economic hurdles complicating the bloc’s roadmap to energy independence
EU aims to cut reliance on Russian energy. Hungary and Slovakia resist, highlighting political and economic challenges to EU energy independence. UPSC asks about energy security, geopolitics.
Don't assume all EU members have uniform energy policies; national interests vary.
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Europe faced a severe energy crisis. This exposed the European Union's (EU) heavy dependence on Russian energy resources — particularly gas, oil, and coal. To address this vulnerability, EU leaders adopted the Versailles Declaration (March 2022), committing to phase out Russian fuels and achieve energy independence.
However, four landlocked EU member states — Hungary, Slovakia, Czechia, and Bulgaria — were granted temporary derogations (exemptions) to continue importing Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline (one of the longest pipelines connecting Russia to Eastern and Central Europe). These exemptions were meant to give these countries time to diversify their energy sources.
As of February 2026, Hungary and Slovakia remain the only EU members heavily dependent on Russian oil. This dependence has created friction:
The EU has made significant progress in reducing Russian energy dependence:
| Energy Source | Pre-War (2021) | Q3 2025 | Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petroleum oils | Russia: largest supplier | Russia: 1% | U.S., Norway |
| Natural gas (gaseous) | Russia: 48% | Russia: 15% | Norway (now largest) |
| Liquefied natural gas (LNG) | Not fully sanctioned | Russia: 15% (2nd largest) | Still transitioning |
Key insight: The EU successfully diversified away from Russian oil and gas, but LNG sanctions were implemented later (legal roadmap updated only in 2025).
According to a Centre for the Study of Democracy (CSD) report titled 'Cutting the Chord':
Both countries have viable alternatives to Russian oil:
a) The Adria Pipeline
b) The Odesa-Brody Pipeline
c) Historical Precedent
Hungary's claim: Ending Russian oil would raise fuel prices.
Counter-evidence:
The continued dependence reflects political alignment with Russia:
Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán:
Slovak PM Robert Fico:
Broader EU-Russia divide:
Energy Security and Geopolitics
EU Internal Divisions
Infrastructure and Strategic Autonomy
Sanctions Regime and Loopholes
Case Study: Bulgaria vs. Hungary
| Date/Figure | Significance |
|---|---|
| February 2022 | Russia invades Ukraine |
| March 2022 | Versailles Declaration adopted |
| August 2025 | Russian-Ukrainian attacks suspend Druzhba supplies |
| October 2023 | Slovakia halts military aid to Ukraine |
| November 2025 | Orbán visits Moscow; promises continued Russian energy |
| December 2023 | Orbán vetoes €50-billion Ukraine aid |
| February 2026 | Current tensions over Druzhba pipeline |
| 87% | Russian crude's share of Hungary-Slovakia imports (2024) |
| 1% | Russia's share of EU petroleum oils (Q3 2025) |
| 15% | Russia's share of EU natural gas (Q3 2025) |
| 14.4 million tonnes/year | Adria pipeline capacity |
| €90 billion | EU loan Hungary threatens to block |
Q1. According to data from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, approximately what percentage of Hungary and Slovakia's crude oil imports came from Russia in 2024?
The option at index 2 is correct because the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air reported that Russian crude accounted for 87% of Hungary and Slovakia's crude oil imports in 2024. The option at index 0 is incorrect because the percentage was 87%, not 77%. The option at index 1 is incorrect because the percentage was 87%, not 67%. The option at index 3 is incorrect because the percentage was 87%, not 97%.
Q2. According to the Centre for the Study of Democracy (CSD) report, what is the primary reason for Hungary's continued reliance on Russian oil imports?
The option at index 2 is correct because the CSD report argues that Hungary's reliance on Russian oil is a political choice, not a necessity, despite having access to alternative supply routes. The option at index 0 is wrong because the report explicitly states that Hungary has full access to alternative supply routes. The option at index 1 is wrong because the report mentions refineries capable of processing non-Russian crude. The option at index 3 is wrong because the Adria pipeline has sufficient capacity.
Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the Druzhba pipeline and EU energy policy: 1. The Versailles Declaration of March 2022 outlined the EU's commitment to phasing out dependence on Russian gas, oil, and coal. 2. In 2024, Russian crude accounted for 67% of Hungary and Slovakia's crude oil imports. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The option at index 0 is correct because Statement 1 is correct as per the article. The Versailles Declaration of March 2022 did outline the EU's commitment to phasing out dependence on Russian gas, oil, and coal. The option at index 1 is incorrect because Statement 2 is false. The article states that in 2024, Russian crude accounted for 87% of Hungary and Slovakia's crude oil imports, not 67%.