Slovakia and Hungary intend to oppose Washington’s demands to reduce imports of energy resources from Russia

The authorities of Slovakia and Hungary have made it clear that they will resist pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who is demanding a reduction in imports of Russian oil and gas until the EU finds alternatives.

This was reported by Bloomberg.

“Before we can take on all the commitments, we need to create the proper conditions; otherwise, we risk seriously damaging our industry and economy,” said Slovak Economy Minister Denisa Saková, noting that sufficient infrastructure must first be established.

According to her, she conveyed Bratislava’s position during talks with U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright in Vienna this week. The minister added that Wright expressed understanding and emphasized that the U.S. should step up energy projects in Europe.

Hungary will also reject EU initiatives that threaten the security of its energy supplies, stated Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office Gergely Gulyás.

“When this directly contradicts Hungary’s interests, for example in the matter of energy purchases, we will veto it,” Gulyás promised.

Earlier, Hungary had already declared that it does not intend to give up imports of Russian oil in the foreseeable future due to the lack of viable alternatives.

In turn, the head of the European Commission, after talks with Trump, has urged EU member states to accelerate their withdrawal from Russian oil and gas.