Estonian President Alar Karis has proposed that Estonia assist Hungary in paying fines incurred from terminating gas contracts with Russia.
Karis suggested, “Perhaps we should help Hungary pay the contractual fines.”
The Estonian leader noted that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban had expressed intentions during a recent visit to Russia to secure affordable energy for Hungary in the future, though several energy agreements between Budapest and Moscow could remain valid until the 2040s.
Karis further emphasized that Europe must intensify pressure on Russia, including by abandoning its energy resources.
Hungary has signaled its intention to rekindle energy cooperation with Russia, according to Karis. The Slovak parliament is also expressing interest in parliamentary dialogue with Moscow.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stated on December 9 that Hungary cannot ensure safe energy supplies without Russian resources, noting that oil and gas continue to flow to the country but adding that it must protect energy channels from external pressures.
Szijjarto also declared that Hungary would not comply with Brussels’ proposal to ban Russian oil and gas imports, calling such a move a “political and ideological” decision disconnected from reality and vowing to shield the Hungarian economy and citizens from its consequences.
The European Council approved on October 20 a proposal by the European Commission to prohibit Russian gas imports starting January 1, 2028, and also to block Russian gas transit through the EU for other countries, effective January 1, 2026.
