The European Commission has called an emergency meeting in response to Hungary and Slovakia’s recent decision to suspend diesel supplies to Ukraine. This action has heightened an existing dispute concerning the Russian Druzhba oil pipeline. The Commission said this extraordinary meeting will occur next Wednesday and will include participation from Hungary, Slovakia, and Croatia.
The decision by Hungary and Slovakia to halt diesel supplies followed a Russian attack on the pipeline within Ukrainian territory that rendered it nonfunctional. Both Budapest and Bratislava have expressed concerns, alleging that Kyiv is intentionally delaying repairs for political reasons.
“We have called an ad hoc Oil Coordination Group meeting to discuss the impact of the supply disruption and possible alternatives to fuel supply,” Commission spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen said.
Hungary has formally requested the European Commission to facilitate the transfer of seaborne Russian oil through Croatia’s Adriatic pipeline as an alternative route. However, Croatia has declined this request. Furthermore, the Commission has clarified its position regarding recent reports suggesting that it was urging Kyiv to expedite pipeline repairs.
The Commission has stated that Hungary and Slovakia possess sufficient oil reserves, ensuring that their supply security is not currently at risk. However, it has raised concerns regarding the broader energy situation in Ukraine.
“We are concerned with the security of supply of Ukraine, finding itself in an extremely difficult situation during a harsh winter,” said chief Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho.
Hungary and Slovakia have warned they may extend restrictions on electricity and gas supplies if a pipeline is not repaired. Ukraine is already suffering from severe blackouts and heating failures due to ongoing Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure.
On Wednesday, Ukrainian foreign ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi accused Hungary and Slovakia of prolonging their dependence on Russian energy, comparing it to drug addiction. In January 2026, the EU mandated all member states to phase out Russian fossil fuels by 2027, but both Hungary and Slovakia have filed legal challenges against this legislation.
