Budapest Times: Gas hopes evaporate into thin air
Government members may find their minds wandering this Christmas/New Year to the vexed question of how to ensure Hungary’s long-term energy supply after Russia’s abrupt decision not to build the South Stream gas pipeline.
Immediately after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s surprise announcement on 1 December, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szíjjártó told a NATO convention in Brussels of the need to seek alternative options to safeguard supplies.
Hungary respects Russia’s decision, Szíjjártó said. He did not want to enter speculation about the background because the topic was too serious for that. Szíjjártó mentioned Azerbaijan among the alternative sources for natural gas. Turning to the European Commission, he asked for EUR 300 billion from the investment pot to increase the security of Central Europe’s energy supply.
Related Reading: Hungary and South Stream: What Now?