The EU Council on Monday approved a decree which will abolish Russian gas in the EU gradually before the end of 2027, the body announced.
Of the 27 representatives of the member states, 24 voted affirmatively, the Hungarian and Slovak governments dissented while the Bulgarian delegate abstained.
Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said Hungary will file suit against the decision, arguing that the regulation smuggles in sanctions and similar restrictive measures in the guise of a trade policy decision, as the latter would re-
quire unanimity.
The European Council comprising heads of state and government pronounced in March 2022 that the EU would gradually end the dependence on imports of Russian gas, oil and coal. At the same time, they said they would consider national circumstances and the energy structure of the member states.
The regulation was approved in a normal legislative procedure whereby a qualified majority is adequate among the governments.
These forms of regulation cannot be vetoed, and at least 13 governments would be needed for a blocking minority, or four that represent 35% of the EU population.
The governments must table national plans on how to meet the deadline and how to make their gas supply diverse. EU Affairs Ministry state secretary Pál Barna Zsigmond said the decree interferes in the self-determination of the member states and does not stand the test of the principle of subsidiarity.
He also said it lacks an impact study broken down to countries, and the special status of countries like Hungary, without sea access.
Szijjártó underlined that this decision runs counter to the EU’s own regulations since the EU Treaty clearly states that energy policy and choice of sources is within the purview of member states.