The European Commission has confirmed that Russian oil may reach Hungary via Croatia as a temporary sanctions exemption in connection with damage to the Druzhba pipeline caused by Russia’s strikes in Ukraine. The statements were voiced by European Commission spokespersons Anna-Kaisa Itkonen and Shivonne McGarry.
“Yesterday Hungary announced its desire to apply a temporary exemption to the import of Russian crude oil by sea via Croatia, in the context of the disruption to flows along the Druzhba pipeline”
– Anna-Kaisa Itkonen
Itkonen stressed that it is Russia that bears responsibility for the pipeline damage, and the EC’s priority is the energy security of the member states. At the same time she assured that there is no immediate threat, since Hungary and Slovakia have emergency oil stocks sufficient to cover about 90 days of demand.
The European Commission is also ready to convene an emergency meeting of the oil coordination group to discuss the impact of the disruptions and possible supply alternatives. The EU supports dialogue with Ukraine on the timelines for repairing the Druzhba pipeline.
Temporary Exemption and EU Reaction
“The EU sanctions regulation truly allows relief from the ban on the import of crude oil and oil products when the supply of crude oil via the pipeline from Russia to a member state without sea access is interrupted for reasons outside that member state’s control”
– Shivonne McGarry
This exemption should be temporary until supply is restored or until the Council of the EU adopts a decision to impose an oil import ban. McGarry also noted that during the period of the exemption the member state is obliged to report to the European Commission every three months on the volumes of crude oil they import by sea from Russia.
On February 16, Hungary and Slovakia asked Croatia to allow the supply of Russian crude via the Adria pipeline, while the key route through Ukraine remains blocked. The Hungarian Foreign Minister expressed hope that Croatia would ensure stability in supply and would not apply political pressure, as they claim Ukraine is doing. Croatia stated its readiness to ensure stable fuel supplies to Central Europe.
This development underscores the growing role of diversification of supplies in the region and the efforts by Central European countries to reduce dependence on a single supply route. ADRIA is an important link in these efforts, particularly regarding oil deliveries from Russia.