Hungary to Fight EU Plan Threatening to Triple Utility Costs

Hungary Rejects EU Energy Plan, Vowing to Fight Proposed Russian Sanctions BUDAPEST, HUNGARY—Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has strongly condemned a European Union plan to cut off access to affordable Russian energy, warning of potential devastating consequences for Hungarian families. The proposal, reportedly backed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, aims to phase out Russian energy imports by 2026-2027. Szijjártó claims this could lead to a three-fold increase in utility costs for Hungarian households. "This is an unacceptable proposal," Szijjártó stated in a recent video address. "It is a political decision, not purely an energy issue. We will fight this." The minister's comments highlight growing concerns within Hungary about the EU's approach to sanctions against Russia. Hungary relies heavily on Russian energy, making it particularly vulnerable to price increases. Szijjártó's announcement that he will personally represent the Hungarian government in upcoming energy minister meetings underscores the seriousness of the situation and the country's determination to protect its citizens from potential economic hardship. The EU's response to Hungary's objections remains to be seen, but the issue is expected to dominate discussions in the coming weeks.