Core Points - The EU Council supports a proposal to gradually stop importing Russian natural gas by January 2028 [1][3] - From January 1, 2026, the EU will prohibit new natural gas contracts with Russia, with existing contracts having a transition period until June 17, 2026, for short-term contracts and until January 1, 2028, for long-term contracts [1] - The proposal still requires approval from the European Parliament [1] Industry Impact - Hungary's Foreign Minister expressed that the proposal would severely undermine Hungary's energy security [3] - Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the EU has significantly reduced pipeline imports of Russian natural gas, although some European countries have increased imports of Russian liquefied natural gas via maritime routes [3] - Currently, Russian natural gas accounts for approximately 13% of the EU's imports, valued at over €15 billion annually [3]

Group 1 - The European Union has proposed a ban on the import of Russian energy, which Hungary plans to legally challenge [1][3] - The proposal aims to completely stop the import of Russian pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) by January 1, 2028 [1][3] - Starting from January 1, 2026, the EU will prohibit new gas import contracts with Russia, while existing contracts will have a transition period, with short-term contracts lasting until June 17, 2026, and long-term contracts terminating before January 1, 2028 [1][3] Group 2 - Hungary's Foreign Minister, Peter Szijjarto, stated that the government may resort to legal action to prevent the ban on Russian energy imports, arguing that the proposal violates EU law [1][3] - The proposal was passed by the European Council with a qualified majority vote, despite Hungary's opposition [1][3]

Core Points - Hungary's Foreign Minister, Szijjarto, announced that Hungary will use all political and legal means to block the EU's "REPowerEU" proposal aimed at banning Russian energy imports [1] - The European Council has reached a negotiating position on a draft regulation to gradually stop importing Russian natural gas, aiming for a complete halt by January 1, 2028 [1] - Starting January 1, 2026, the EU will prohibit internal parties from signing new natural gas import contracts with Russia, while existing contracts will have a transition period [1] Summary by Sections - **Hungary's Position**: Hungary is determined to oppose the EU's energy import ban through all available means [1] - **Regulation Details**: The draft regulation seeks to completely stop imports of Russian pipeline gas and LNG by January 1, 2028, with specific timelines for new contracts and existing agreements [1] - **Approval Process**: The proposal still requires approval from the European Parliament before it can be enacted [1]