BUDAPEST, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- Hungary has filed a legal challenge in the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) against the EU's REPowerEU regulation banning imports of Russian oil and natural gas, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto said Monday.
In a video posted on social media, Szijjarto said the regulation, which has now entered into force, threatens Hungary's energy security and the government's household utility price controls. He added that Hungary is seeking the annulment of the measure.
The REPowerEU regulation, part of the EU's broader efforts to reduce reliance on Russian energy following the outbreak of the Ukraine crisis, formally prohibits EU member states from purchasing Russian crude oil and natural gas.
According to the minister, without Russian energy supplies, Hungary would face higher costs and less reliable alternatives, making it difficult to ensure secure energy provision and maintain regulated utility prices.
Szijjarto argued that the regulation exceeds the European Commission's authority, infringes on member states' rights over energy sourcing, and violates the EU principle of energy solidarity.
The legal proceedings are expected to last between 18 months and two years, Szijjarto said, adding that the continuation of the lawsuit would depend on the outcome of Hungary's general elections on April 12.
A week ago, the EU Council gave the final approval to a ban on imports of Russian pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) into the bloc, with a full ban entering into force from January 2027 for LNG and from the autumn of 2027 for pipeline gas. ■
