The European Commission’s Executive Vice-President has received a letter from Hungary and Slovakia regarding the suspension of Lukoil oil transit through Ukraine. The European Commission is currently examining the letter and is in contact with the mentioned countries to gather information before making a decision.
At present, the situation regarding oil supply to the EU does not have a direct impact, and the EC is ready to cooperate with all parties to find a solution.
The European Commission may initiate further procedures on this matter, while Hungary and Slovakia are calling for a meeting on trade policy.
Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, Valdis Dombrovskis, received a letter from the foreign ministers of Hungary and Slovakia concerning Ukraine’s decision to stop the transit of Lukoil oil. This was stated by European Commission spokesman Olaf Gill.
EC Examines Dombrovskis’ Letter on Lukoil Oil Transit Suspension
According to Gill, the European Commission is currently studying the content of the letter and gathering more information before making any decision. Additionally, Brussels is in constant contact with Slovakia, Hungary, and Ukraine.
“I must add that there is currently no direct impact on the security of oil supplies to the EU. (…) The Commission is ready to support the affected member states in finding a solution together with Ukraine,” stated the EC spokesperson.
Olaf Gill mentioned that only the European Commission can initiate any further procedures on this issue. Additionally, Slovakia and Hungary have requested a meeting of the Trade Policy Committee on this topic for this Wednesday.
Note: Earlier, Hungary’s foreign minister stated that if Hungary could not reach an agreement with Ukraine, arbitration would be initiated. Hungarian officials also believe that Ukraine’s refusal to continue the transit of oil from the Russian company Lukoil poses a threat to Hungary’s energy security.
