Hungary files lawsuit to challenge EU decision on phaseout of Russian gas imports

Hungary has filed a lawsuit with the European Court challenging the REPowerEU regulation, which fully bans imports of Russian gas starting in 2027. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated his country’s position, saying that, “Without Russian oil and natural gas, we cannot guarantee our country’s energy security or preserve the gains from cuts to household utility bills.”

Szijjártó also insisted that such a move can only be adopted through the sanctions mechanism, which requires unanimous approval by all EU member states. Moreover, he argued, the EU’s decision effectively contradicts the “principle of energy solidarity,” under which each member state can independently choose its suppliers and sources of energy.

Szijjártó acknowledged that the case could take one to two years to be considered, which automatically puts its fate in question, as the country’s next parliamentary elections are scheduled for Apr. 12. Opinion polls currently show the pro-European Tisza party in the lead. Headed by Péter Magyar, an opponent of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, the opposition is backed by 48 percent of respondents, while support for the ruling Fidesz party stands at 40 percent.

On Monday, Jan. 26, the EU Council formally adopted a regulation on the gradual phaseout of imports of Russian pipeline gas and LNG into Europe. A transition period will be provided to allow for existing contracts to be fulfilled. For short-term LNG contracts, the period will last until Apr. 25, 2026, and for pipeline gas, until June 17, 2026. For long-term LNG contracts, the period will extend until Jan. 1, 2027, and for long-term pipeline gas arrangements, until Sept. 30, 2027. Hungary and Slovakia voted against the new measures, while Bulgaria abstained. Before 2022, Russian gas accounted for approximately 40% of total EU gas imports. By 2025, that share had fallen to roughly 13%.