Hungary has filed a legal challenge at the European Court of Justice against the EU's REPowerEU regulation, which bans imports of Russian energy, the Hungarian foreign minister announced on Monday.
"Today, we took legal action before the European Court of Justice to challenge the REPowerEU regulation banning the import of Russian energy and request its annulment," Peter Szijjarto wrote through US social media company X.
Szijjarto said Hungary is seeking the annulment of the regulation, citing three main arguments. First, he argued that energy import bans can only be imposed through sanctions, which require unanimity, while the regulation was adopted as a trade measure.
Second, he emphasized that EU treaties allow each member state to decide its energy sources and suppliers. Third, Szijjarto said the principle of energy solidarity, which guarantees secure energy supply for all EU members, is violated, particularly in Hungary's case.
"Only more expensive and less reliable alternatives are available. Without Russian oil and gas, our energy security cannot be guaranteed, nor can low energy costs be maintained for Hungarian families," Szijjarto added.
The EU formally adopted the REPowerEU rules on Jan. 26, which aim to gradually phase out imports of Russian pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) and include monitoring obligations, supply diversification requirements, and penalties for non-compliance.
Under the new rules, imports of Russian gas will start to be restricted six weeks after the regulation enters into force, while existing contracts may continue during a transition period. A full ban on Russian LNG imports will apply from early 2027, and pipeline gas imports will be prohibited from autumn 2027.
EU member states will also be required to verify the origin of gas before allowing its entry and notify national authorities and the European Commission of any remaining contracts with Russia.
Non-compliance carries fines of at least €2.5 million ($3 million) for individuals and €40 million ($47.5 million) for companies, or up to 3.5% of global annual turnover.
By Melike Pala in Brussels
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr