BRUSSELS – A new report from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) finds that Hungary and Slovakia could stop importing Russian oil and gas without triggering significant energy price increases, according to Politico Europe. The findings challenge public positions held by both governments, which have opposed EU-led energy phase-out plans, citing potential economic harm.
Energy Transition Feasible, Report Says
The CREA report, published in May, states that existing infrastructure and supply alternatives are sufficient for both countries to transition away from Russian fossil fuels. The study highlights underutilized pipelines and expanded regional refining capacity as viable options to replace Russian energy imports with minimal price impact.
The report points to Hungary’s access to the Janaf Adriatic pipeline and Slovakia’s growing nuclear energy capacity as key factors. Slovakia became a net electricity exporter in 2024 after bringing new nuclear reactors online.
Government Opposition Holds
Despite the study’s conclusions, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico remain opposed to the European Union’s proposed timeline to eliminate Russian gas by 2027 and ban new spot contracts by the end of 2025. Fico has called the plan “economic suicide” and warned of price increases and supply instability if Russian energy is phased out too quickly.
Hungary’s reliance on Russian oil has grown from 61% before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 to 86% in 2024, according to Politico. Slovakia also remains heavily dependent on Russian oil and gas.
EU Moves Toward Enforcement
The European Commission is preparing legal mechanisms to enforce the 2027 phase-out goal, which may include tariffs on Russian gas and limits on long-term contracts. Exemptions granted to Hungary and Slovakia after the 2022 invasion, based on their landlocked geography and energy networks, remain in effect but are now being reexamined following the CREA study.
A Commission spokesperson told Reuters that the EU remains committed to building “a more resilient and sovereign energy market,” but noted that efforts must also account for “social and economic stability in all member states.”
Wider Political Context
Orbán and Fico have regularly aligned in resisting broader EU sanctions against Russia. Both leaders have said they may veto future extensions of energy-related sanctions unless their concerns are addressed. This stance has complicated efforts to maintain a unified EU response to the war in Ukraine, particularly in terms of energy security and policy alignment.
While both governments continue to cite economic risks tied to ending Russian imports, the report’s findings suggest that infrastructure and market conditions could support such a transition without major disruption. The debate reflects broader tensions within the EU over energy independence, economic risk, and political alignment in the context of the ongoing war.
