This allowed the extension to proceed without obstruction.
According to MTI, a ministry statement quoted Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Szijjártó as saying that Hungary therefore set clear conditions for the European Commission in recent days, calling on it to protect Hungary against measures that risked undermining its energy security, to protect the TurkStream gas pipeline, Ukrainian oil transit to Europe, and convince Ukraine to restart gas deliveries.
“After lengthy negotiations … today the European Commission gave Hungary these guarantees that are essential for the future of our energy security,” Szijjártó said. “The European Commission conceded that the integrity of the energy infrastructure ensuring the supply of EU member states is a matter that concerns the security of the EU as a whole.”
The move drew criticism from Péter Magyar, leader of the Tisza Party, who criticized the government for backing down after previously hinting at a veto.
Without Hungary’s approval, the sanctions, which form the cornerstone of the EU’s response to Russia’s actions, would have expired.
“As expected, the brave Brussels warrior performed its usual peacock dance, then bravely ran away instead of delivering the promised veto. Of course, the propaganda will explain this retreat by claiming they defended Hungarian interests with a declaration,” Magyar wrote.
“Having spent seven years in ambassadorial meetings in Brussels, I can tell the prime minister that a Council declaration is worth as much as a subpar Brussels coffee in the cafeteria. Nothing. This is what happens when a mouse imagines itself an elephant,” he added in a post on social media.
Hungary’s government has consistently voiced concerns over the economic repercussions of EU sanctions on Russia, especially regarding energy supplies. However, its decision not to veto this time signals a willingness to align with the broader EU strategy while ensuring domestic energy guarantees are secured.
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