The European Commission has confirmed that it is closely monitoring the temporary suspension of oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline to Slovakia and Hungary and is in close contact with both countries to clarify the circumstances and safeguard critical infrastructure. This was reported by the Commission’s press services. The Commission also noted that it has received letters from the governments of the countries and responses will be provided in due course.
Security of supply is a priority for the Commission, and we are in close and ongoing contact with our member states to ensure it. The EU has tools to overcome sudden shortages or disruptions in the supply of crude oil or petroleum products
– European Commission
The Role of Coordination and Oil Stocks in the Energy System
An EU official highlights the role of coordination mechanisms and market resilience, particularly with regard to stocks. The EU’s oil stock directive provides that member states should maintain reserves at the level of 90 days, which helps reduce the impact of crisis disruptions in supply.
Slovakia and Hungary support such necessary emergency oil stock levels and can release such stocks onto the market in case of an emergency. To date the Commission has not received any notifications of stock releases from Slovakia or Hungary.
– European Commission
According to the European Commission, the stoppage of supply via the pipeline is not considered an energy threat to the EU. However authorities continue to monitor the situation and take joint steps with the participating countries to prevent further risks to the market.
The European Commission stressed that it is closely monitoring the halt of oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia via the Druzhba pipeline, but does not see this stoppage as an energy danger for the EU.
– European Commission
Regarding Hungary’s statements about a possible attack on an oil facility, on August 13, Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijjártó said that Ukraine carried out a drone attack on the Druzhba pipeline station in Russia’s Bryansk region. According to the official, this trunk line supplies Hungary and plays a key role in its energy security.
As a reminder, on August 13 Szijjártó stated that Ukraine carried out a drone attack on the Druzhba pipeline station in Russia’s Bryansk region.
– Szijjártó
In response, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga stressed that it is Russia that started the war, which Moscow is not yet ready to end. It was also noted that Hungary, despite Moscow’s unreliability, continues to maintain a certain dependence on Russia and is focused on preserving energy cooperation with the EU.
Hungary has for years said that Moscow is an unreliable partner. Despite this, Hungary is making every effort to preserve its dependence on Russia. Even after the start of the full-scale war. Now you can send your complaints and threats to your friends in Moscow
– Andriy Sibiga
Following the August events on the 21st–22nd, Hungary and Slovakia officially appealed to the European Commission to strengthen guarantees of supply security, and also expressed concerns about the condition of the pipeline and related risks to the region’s energy systems. The Commission promised to continue dialogue with both countries and other EU members to clarify the circumstances and determine next steps.
In conclusion, the European Commission stated its readiness to coordinate actions with national governments and regulators to support the stability of supplies and the safety of critical infrastructure during investigations and negotiations with market participants.