Hungary wants to stop using Russian gas by 2027

Hungary could completely abandon imports of natural gas from Russia by October 2027 without violating European Union regulations, Economy and Energy Minister Istvan Kapitany said on Friday. The announcement marks a significant shift from the policy of former Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who supported deepening energy ties with Moscow.

In an interview with Telex, Kapitany said Hungary has sufficient pipeline connections to import gas from other sources at competitive prices. According to the minister, alternative supplies could be secured by October 2027, the deadline set at European level for ending imports of Russian gas.

The Budapest government is also reassessing the expansion of the Paks nuclear power plant, a project awarded to Russia’s Rosatom in 2014 and delayed for several years. A decision on whether new reactors need to be built is expected by the end of the year, following an assessment of the possibility of extending the operating life of the four existing units by 20 years.

Hungary is also seeking alternative oil suppliers, expanding its storage capacity, and intends to attract investment in wind power while reducing electricity imports.