EU weighs halting Russian oil via Druzhba pipeline to Hungary, Slovakia - Bloomberg
Photo: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (Getty Images)
The European Union is considering restrictions on oil imports through the Druzhba pipeline, which supplies Hungary and Slovakia, reports Bloomberg.
Sources told Bloomberg that the EU is considering measures to restrict oil imports, including through the Druzhba pipeline. The move could significantly cut supplies or even stop them altogether.
Budapest and Bratislava have repeatedly blocked efforts to cut dependence on energy imports. However, they are unlikely to halt this initiative, as the plan is separate from the EU's 19th sanctions package.
Unlike sanctions, which still require unanimous approval, trade measures are decided at the level of EU member state capitals. That means the positions of Slovakia or Hungary would carry no weight.
Blocking oil deliveries through Druzhba, along with new sanctions, would help the EU meet a key demand from US President Donald Trump — to phase out Russian energy imports. Hungary and Slovakia remain the only EU countries still importing Russian pipeline oil.
Sanctions against Russia and Trump's demands
On September 19, the European Commission presented the 19th package of anti-Russian sanctions for discussion among EU member states. Among other measures, it includes a plan to phase out Russian gas by January 1, 2027.
At the same time, the push to ban imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) by that date was widely expected, given the pressure from President Trump on the EU.
