Hungary Prepares to File Suit at EU Court Over Ban on Russian Gas
Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said Budapest will challenge the RePowerEU initiative to ban imports of Russian gas at the EU Court, saying it threatens the country's energy security.
By Oleg Bazylewicz
December 3, 2025 · 1 min read
Hungary plans to file a complaint with the Court of the European Union against the RePowerEU proposal to ban imports of gas from Russia. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said that after the final vote Budapest will challenge the decision of the European Commission and the Council, and that legal preparation has already begun.
Hungary's plan for the lawsuit
Szijjártó claims that Brussels' requirements undermine Hungary's energy security: without Russian energy supplies it is physically impossible to provide the country with sufficient volumes of oil and natural gas given the existing infrastructure. He also warned that implementing the initiative would lead to at least a threefold increase in energy prices and create monopolistic positions for certain market participants and foreign suppliers.
Schedule of bans and contracts
The EU Council and the European Parliament agreed on the night of 3 December to a gradual restriction of Russian gas imports and preparations for a ban on Russian oil. The adopted compromise foresees that short-term contracts concluded before 17 June 2025 will remain valid until 25 April 2026 for liquefied natural gas (LNG) and until 17 June 2026 for pipeline gas.
Long-term contracts for LNG will remain in force no later than 1 January 2027. The introduction of a ban on pipeline gas is scheduled for autumn 2027 — starting 30 September provided gas storage filling targets are met, but no later than 1 November.
- On 7 November President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine will not allow Russia to supply oil to Hungary — it is only a matter of time.
- On 14 November Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced his intention to challenge the EU decision to move away from Russian gas.
