Despite Hungary’s reservations about the oil embargo, Federal Economics Minister Habeck believes an agreement is possible. But you don’t have much time.
Economics Minister Robert Habeck believes that an agreement on an oil embargo is still possible, despite resistance from the Hungarian government.
At the same time, the Green politician made it clear in Berlin that he considers the period for negotiations to be limited. With a view to the days before the next EU summit at the beginning of next week, Habeck said: “I assume this is the corridor where either an agreement can be reached or other instruments have to be considered.”
Habeck expressed understanding for reservations about the oil embargo. “The states have different supply situations, that is to be accepted,” said Habeck, who spoke at the meeting of the ministers for climate, energy and environment of the seven major industrialized countries (G7). For Germany, too, he had repeatedly pointed out that preparations had to be made before decisions were made. It is “of course also important that Europe remains closed and stays together”. Therefore, all states must make efforts to reduce their dependence on oil. “That also applies to Hungary.”
At the beginning of March, the EU Commission originally proposed ending imports of Russian crude oil in six months and oil products in eight months because of the Ukraine war. Hungary and Slovakia should be given 20 months. So far, even offers of improvement have not been able to persuade the Hungarian government to give up its rejection.
