Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico have sharply criticized the European Union's plans to reduce energy dependence on Russia. They accused the EU of “transforming from a peace project into a war project”.
The editorial office reports that both leaders spoke at an event held to mark the 130th anniversary of the Maria Valeria Bridge, which connects the Slovak city of Štúrovo with the Hungarian city of Esztergom.
Robert Fico noted in his speech: “Nobody can dictate to us where to buy oil or natural gas. Determining the energy mix is a decision of a sovereign state. A complete rejection of Russian energy would also deal a major blow to the European Union itself.”
Viktor Orban, targeting Brussels with harsh words, said: “Like the empires that once ruled us, the European Union has now turned into a war project. When Brussels talks about peace in Europe, it is actually talking about war.”
Orban and Fico's statements, which are close to the Kremlin's position, have strengthened speculations about a weakening common stance within the EU on the Ukrainian issue. According to analysts, while the positions of both leaders are justified by the economic and security risks of a rapid energy transition, these speeches also serve to strengthen their positions in domestic politics.