There is still no EU agreement on the Russian oil embargo

The European Union Commission had previously proposed giving Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic more time to fully implement the moratorium on deliveries. However, the proposal was not enough for many countries. They demanded more concessions – more time, but also financial support. Bulgaria, among other countries, also wants an exemption.

The consensus required

The diplomatic community said that technical solutions for the affected countries will continue to work. In order for the sanctions package to be implemented, all countries must agree. On Sunday, she said talks at all levels would continue earlier in the week to adopt the sanctions package as soon as possible.

Slovakia is 100% dependent on Russia

Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia are highly dependent on Russian oil, all of which are supplied via the Druzhba (Friendship) pipeline. According to the National Statistics Authority, the Czech Republic covered about half of its oil consumption from Russian sources in 2021. In Hungary, according to the government, 65 percent comes from Russia. According to the national operating company Transpetrol, Russia is the only source of oil for Slovakia. According to the EU Commission, deliveries to these countries represent only a very small percentage of the EU’s total imports of Russian oil. According to its own statements, Austria has been operating without Russian oil since March.