As the dispute between Hungary, Slovakia and Ukraine over Kiev's decision to punish Lukoil becomes increasingly tense, the European Commission is ready to mediate, Euronews reported.
Kiev argues that stopping the transit of Russian oil from Lukoil is necessary to cut Russia's revenue amid the conflict. Budapest and Bratislava strongly protested, emphasizing that energy supply disruptions were threatening the economies of these countries.
In the joint letter, Hungary and Slovakia requested the European Commission to intervene and implement consultation procedures under the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement.
Brussels confirmed receiving the document and pointed out that any proceedings, if any, will be carried out by the executive agency itself.
“We are studying the contents of this letter and gathering more information before making any decisions. Currently, there is no immediate impact on the security of oil supply to the EU" - a spokesperson for the European Commission shared on July 23.
The meeting of the EU trade policy committee was held on July 24 at the request of Hungary and Slovakia to assess the situation. "The Commission is ready to support the impacts with member states and find solutions together with Ukraine," the spokesman said, noting that Kiev also participated in the discussions.
On July 22, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó emphasized: “We told the Ukrainian government that this is an incomprehensible, unacceptable and unfriendly decision. It's strange that a country that wants to integrate into the EU seriously endangers the energy supply of two member states."
His Slovak counterpart Juraj Blanár said that Ukraine's suspension of Lukoil's oil transit is a clear violation of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement. “We refuse to be a political tool. We resolutely defend ourselves and use all possibilities of European law," he said.
Hungary and Slovakia warned that if EU-led mediation does not provide a satisfactory answer, the two countries will sue Ukraine in court.
Along with the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia are exempt from the Russian oil embargo imposed throughout the EU. These three landlocked countries receive their supplies through the Druzhba oil pipeline , which goes from Russia to Central Europe.
Lukoil is the main user of the Druzhba oil pipeline but is not the only one, there are also Tatneft, Gazprom Neft, Russneft and other small-scale companies.
According to Reuters, the southern branch of the Druzhba pipeline transports about 250,000 barrels of Russian oil per day. The top buyer is the MOL group, which operates oil refineries in Slovakia and Hungary.
Also regarding the case of Ukraine blocking the valve of Russia's oil pipeline from Lukoil company, Russia affirmed that it will continue to supply oil to Slovakia and Hungary through the world's longest oil pipeline currently stretching across the 5,500 km Druzhba network.
“Delivery is ongoing. We strive to ensure continued supply and that our partners who have received oil through the Druzhba pipeline will continue to receive it,” TASS on July 23 quoted Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak as saying.
"We are interested in providing our energy sources, especially when Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic have never given up this supply" - Russian Deputy Prime Minister Novak said, affirming Russia's oil supply. will continue.
