#EUFridays by JEF Hungary #23
Patrik György
May-06-2022
Hungarian resistance to proposed EU ban on Russian oil
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has faced resistance after proposing to ban Russian oil imports to the EU. At a speech in Strasbourg in front of the European Parliament, Von der Leyen announced efforts to stop Putin’s war efforts by prohibiting the import of Russian crude oil within six months. “Let us be clear: it will not be easy,” Von der Leyen said. “Some member states are strongly dependent on Russian oil. But we simply have to work on it. We now propose a ban on Russian oil. This will be a complete import ban on all Russian oil, seaborne and pipeline, crude and refined”. In order to pass the sanctions package unanimous support from EU member states is needed.
EU member states have been scrutinising this possible sixth package of sanctions. Russian oil makes out 25% of all imports to the EU, however the level of dependency varies al across the continent. Hungarian foreign minister Péter Szijjártó, wrote on Facebook: “In its current form the Brussels sanctions package cannot be supported, we cannot responsibly vote for it. Hungary could only agree with these sanctions if pipeline imports of crude oil would be exempt from the restrictions. Then Hungary’s energy security could be maintained. Now it cannot.” In a radio interview Prime Minister Viktor Orbán argued that Hungary would need five years and huge investments in its infrastructure to be able to adjust to a Russian oil ban.
The Reuters news agency has reported that further concessions are currently underway to gain the support of EU member states. This includes giving Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia more time to adapt to the ban, and assistance with upgrading national oil infrastructure.
Eurobarometer results on the war in Ukraine
A Flash Eurobarometer survey was conducted in all EU member states. It shows a large consensus among EU citizens being in favour the way the EU has responded to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 79% of European think that since the start of the war the EU has shown solidarity, with 63% saying it has been united, and 58% saying it was fast in its reaction.
Respondents were seen to be widely in favour of support to Ukraine and its people, with 93% approving providing humanitarian aid and 88% approving of the idea of welcoming people fleeing the war to the EU.
80% of Europeans approve of the economic sanctions imposed against Russia. Two-thirds (67%) of those surveyed also approved of the EU move to purchase and supply Ukraine with military equipment and 75% believe that there us a need for a greater military cooperation in the EU. Finally there is wide consensus (90%) that measures should be taken at the European level to combat the effect of rising energy prices.
EU to increase military aid to Moldova
President of the European Council Charles Michel has pledged to increase the military aid that the European Union sends to Moldova, a neighbouring country to Ukraine. Michel said, “the EU stands in full solidarity with you, with Moldova. It is our European duty to help and to support your country”. Moldova’s President Maia Sandu reaffirmed the country’s intention to become a member of the EU, after having submitted its application on March 3rd. Sandu said, “we choose European integration as our model of development. The danger and uncertainty of the war next door showed us that we must defend our choice and make firm steps towards our chosen path.” EU Council President Michel supported Moldova’s choice to apply as a member of the EU, while admitting that the issue was “complex”. “We will continue to deepen our partnership with you to bring your country closer to the EU”, he said.