Orban stated in an interview with a local radio station: “We do not accept this clearly illegal decision, which conflicts with European values and was chosen by Brussels, and we will turn to the European Court of Justice.” In mid-October, the European Union Council agreed to gradually phase out Russian gas imports, starting from January 1, 2026. The transitional period for current contracts will remain in effect until January 1, 2028. Measures are also planned to suspend the ban in case of supply issues.
Among other things, European authorities want to stop buying Russian oil starting in 2028, but this decision must be agreed upon with the European Parliament. At the end of 2024, former Italian Prime Minister and former President of the European Central Bank, Mario Draghi, prepared a report for the President of the European Commission. According to the document, the EU energy market faces fundamental issues and a shortage of natural resources, despite claims of success in replacing Russian fuel. For example, gas prices in the EU are four to five times higher than in the United States.
Russian President Vladimir Putin previously stated that the policy of containing and weakening Russia is a long-term Western strategy and that sanctions dealt a severe blow to the entire global economy. According to him, the main goal of the West is the deterioration of the lives of millions of people.
