Hungarian official discusses EU energy union

The meeting of government officials in charge of EU affairs mainly dealt with preparations for an EU summit in the second half of the week, Takács said. Energy union will be high on the agenda of the meeting, he added.

The European Commission has named "a fully integrated European energy market" as well as "energy security, solidarity and trust" as key dimensions for an energy union. Takács said a draft of the closing statement for the summit was balanced, adding that the government welcomed the European Commissionʼs proposal as well as the debateʼs focus on the security of energy supply.

"Itʼs in all of our interests that a European energy policy should be established that takes into account the peculiarities, exposure, vulnerabilities and situations of all member states," Takács said. A draft of the statement obtained by MTI says member states may decide on a voluntary basis on joint purchases of energy.

Takács confirmed that the draft contains such a passage and that the government has no objections as long as this does not mean an obligation. Joint energy purchases can be discussed once infrastructure that is lacking at present is built, in order to guarantee all member states equal and proportional access to energy resources and markets, Takács said.