World

Orbán’s Gambit: Why Hungary Is Taking the EU to Court Over Russian Gas and What It Means for Energy Security

Hungary is suing the EU over Russian gas import phase-out, calling it unlawful. Orbán disputes the decision.

November 14, 2025, 10:27 AM

Close-up of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, wearing a blue suit and orange tie, with a serious expression.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, in a suit, stands with a resolute expression near a doorway. By Gints Ivuskans / Shutterstock.com.

Executive Summary

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced his government will sue the European Union over its decision to phase out Russian gas imports by the end of 2027, calling it an “unlawful solution” that requires unanimous consent as a trade policy measure.

Hungary, a close ally of the Kremlin, remains heavily reliant on Russian energy imports and has consistently used its veto power to secure exemptions from EU sanctions targeting Russian energy.

Orbán claimed to have secured a US sanction waiver from President Donald Trump regarding Moscow’s two largest oil companies, characterizing it as a “personal agreement between two leaders.”

The Story So Far

Hungary’s legal challenge against the EU’s phase-out of Russian gas imports is rooted in its heavy reliance on Russian energy and its status as the Kremlin’s closest ally within the bloc, which has consistently led it to oppose EU sanctions targeting Russian energy. This action also reflects Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s broader strategy of frequent disagreements with Brussels, particularly over the classification of EU policies and issues related to the war in Ukraine, as well as his efforts to secure separate agreements, such as the claimed US sanction waiver from President Donald Trump.

Why This Matters

Hungary’s legal challenge against the EU’s Russian gas phase-out signals a significant internal conflict over energy policy and sanctions, potentially weakening the bloc’s unified front against Russia and establishing a precedent for member states to contest collective decisions. This action underscores Hungary’s continued divergence from EU consensus and its unique diplomatic maneuverings, including Prime Minister Orbán’s claims of a personal, indefinite sanction waiver from President Donald Trump, which could complicate future transatlantic relations and energy security strategies.

Who Thinks What?

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Hungary’s government view the European Union’s decision to phase out Russian gas imports by the end of 2027 as an “unlawful solution contrary to European values,” arguing it is a trade policy measure requiring unanimous consent rather than a sanction. He also claims to have secured a US sanction waiver from President Donald Trump that he believes will last as long as Trump is president.

The European Union decided to phase out Russian gas imports by the end of 2027, classifying the measure in a way that permitted a majority decision rather than requiring unanimous consent from all member states.

US officials indicated that the sanction waiver granted to Hungary was a temporary, one-year exemption.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced on Friday that his government intends to take the European Union to the European Court of Justice over its recent decision to phase out Russian gas imports by the end of 2027. Orbán condemned the measure as an “unlawful solution contrary to European values,” arguing it constitutes a trade policy measure requiring unanimous consent, rather than a sanction.

Legal Challenge to EU Energy Policy

The Hungarian authorities had been considering this legal challenge last month, following the EU’s agreement to reduce remaining gas imports from Russia. Hungary and Slovakia were the only two member states that reportedly did not support the latest move.

Orbán stated that the EU decision was chosen “to shut down a national government that disagrees with it.” He elaborated that while sanctions require unanimity in EU voting, a majority decision is sufficient for trade policy, implying the EU incorrectly classified the measure.

Hungary’s Energy Dependence and Alliances

Hungary, considered the Kremlin’s closest ally within the bloc, remains heavily reliant on Russian energy imports despite Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Budapest has previously utilized its veto power to secure exemptions from EU sanctions targeting Russian energy.

The nationalist Prime Minister also indicated he was “looking for other, non-legal” means to dissuade Brussels, though he declined to provide further details at this time.

US Sanction Waiver Claims

Orbán further claimed to have secured a US sanction waiver last week during a meeting with President Donald Trump. Trump had imposed sanctions on Moscow’s two largest oil companies in October.

While US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, indicated the waiver granted to Budapest was a temporary, one-year exemption, Orbán insisted it would remain in effect “as long as Donald Trump is the president of the United States and there is a national government in Hungary.” He characterized this as a “personal agreement between two leaders,” dismissing bureaucratic specifics.

Broader Disputes with Brussels

Hungary has a history of frequent disagreements with Brussels, particularly concerning issues related to the war in Ukraine. The central European country has notably refused to provide military aid to Ukraine and opposes Kyiv’s bid for EU membership, arguing it could draw Hungary into the conflict.

Key Takeaways

Hungary’s decision to pursue legal action against the EU over Russian gas imports underscores Budapest’s continued divergence from the bloc’s collective energy strategy and its unique diplomatic engagements with global figures like President Donald Trump. This move highlights ongoing tensions within the EU regarding energy security, sanctions policy, and member state autonomy.