Sweden May Block Russian LNG If Orban Scuppers EU Sanctions

8 comments

1. Hungary is significantly dependent on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) and natural gas supplies. Despite efforts by the European Union (EU) to diversify its energy sources and reduce reliance on Russian fossil fuels, Hungary has maintained its ties with Russia for energy supplies. This is reflected in several agreements and ongoing energy projects.

   In 2021, Hungary renewed a 15-year gas supply agreement with Russia, under which Gazprom would deliver 4.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually via the TurkStream pipeline and through Ukraine. Even after the invasion of Ukraine, Hungary signed additional deals with Russia to secure more gas [[❞]](https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-natural-gas-european-union-dependence-ukraine-war/32754244.html) [[❞]](https://www.politico.eu/article/hungary-stop-rely-war-criminal-vladimir-putin-gas-eu-commission-energy-chief-kadri-simson/).

   While the EU has significantly reduced its overall dependence on Russian gas—from 45% in 2021 to about 15% in 2023—Hungary remains an outlier within the bloc, heavily reliant on Russian imports. This dependency is seen as politically expedient by Hungary’s leadership, which continues to engage with Russia for energy security reasons [[❞]](https://energy.ec.europa.eu/news/focus-eu-energy-security-and-gas-supplies-2024-02-15_en) [[❞]](https://www.iea.org/commentaries/accelerating-energy-diversification-in-central-and-eastern-europe) [[❞]](https://www.energypolicy.columbia.edu/publications/russias-gas-export-strategy-adapting-to-the-new-reality/).

   Efforts by other Central and Eastern European countries to diversify their energy sources include increasing LNG imports from other countries and investing in alternative infrastructure, but Hungary has not fully aligned with these regional strategies [[❞]](https://www.iea.org/commentaries/accelerating-energy-diversification-in-central-and-eastern-europe).

2. Majority of gas is coming to Hungary trough gas pipes. Idk what Sweden can even do, being thousand mile away from them.

3. EU should unblock Hungarian EU funds and orban will suddenly start behaving himself.

4. Spain, Belgium and France seem to be the main buyers of Russian LNG. Total has a share in a joint venture with Russia.
   Bulgaria could hurt Hungary the most by closing transit through the pipeline.

5. Hexit

6. I can’t read the full article. Can someone explain how Sweden would block LNG?

7. “Sweden May Block Russian LNG If Orban Scuppers EU Sanctions”

   How do you say “Please do it, Sweden? You’re a legend!” ?

8. Croatia has LNG terminal which is very close to Hungarian border(400km).