EU Commission Reviews Hungary and Slovakia's Plea Over Halted Russian Oil Transit

The European Commission is examining Hungary and Slovakia's request for mediation over disrupted Russian oil supplies through Ukraine. The commission dismissed a three-day response deadline set by the countries. Diplomatic talks continue, focusing on whether Ukraine's actions breach its free trade agreement with the EU.

The European Commission is examining requests from Hungary and Slovakia for mediation regarding disrupted oil supplies from Russia via Ukraine. This disruption follows Ukraine's addition of Russian producer Lukoil to its sanctions list, halting pipeline transit. Both countries asked the EU to respond within three days, a deadline the Commission has rejected. As of now, the Commission is seeking further details and has made no decisions on subsequent actions.

Diplomatic discussions among EU member states ensued behind closed doors, with the Commission requesting more information on the claims that Ukraine's halt of Lukoil oil breaches the EU-Ukraine free trade agreement. Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic had received exemptions from EU sanctions on Russian oil due to their dependence on it and limited alternatives.

Despite the halt in Lukoil deliveries, the security of oil supplies to the EU remains unaffected, as Hungary and Slovakia possess 90 days of emergency oil stocks per EU regulations, according to a Commission spokesperson.