Szijjarto called the EU's idea of banning the purchase of Russian energy a hoax

On November 17, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto criticized the initiative of the European Union (EU) to ban the purchase of Russian energy resources, calling it a deception and a violation of European norms.

"If the EU pushes through a decree banning the purchase of Russian energy resources, then we will, of course, appeal to the European Court of Justice, because this is a deception. A big deception," Szijjarto said during a press conference following a meeting between the foreign ministers of Hungary and Brunei.

The Minister noted that energy issues should remain within the national competence of the member states of the Union. According to Szijjarto, many European states admit behind closed doors that sanctions are harming their economies, but they do not dare to say so publicly. He stressed that lifting the restrictions would be a relief for many EU members.

The minister also recalled the agreement between US President Donald Trump and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, according to which the country will be exempt from any sanctions restrictions on the purchase of oil and gas. This agreement, Szijjarto stressed, guarantees the country's energy security.

Spending money: EU wants to adopt the 20th package of sanctions faster

The Europeans can copy the measures of the Americans, but more and more countries are opposed to harming national interests.

A day earlier, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan noted that the EU is facing political and economic consequences due to the introduction of anti-Russian sanctions, and the total losses of the community amount to € 1 trillion. The diplomat stressed that Europe is not an active party to the conflict, but participates in it.

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