Hungary, Slovakia's energy dilemma: Balancing sovereignty, Western pressure

In today’s world, one of the toughest decisions for any nation is choosing whether to align with the West or the East.

These two dominant global powers exert significant influence, often compelling allied nations to make decisions that may not necessarily favour their citizens.

The reality is that any choice — whether siding with the West or the Eastx— comes with its own set of consequences.

This dilemma becomes even more complex when a nation within a political or economic bloc decides to pursue an independent policy that contradicts the collective stance.

This is precisely the situation facing Hungary and Slovakia, which have chosen to rely on Russian gas despite opposition from the West, particularly Washington.

Their decision has put them at odds with their Western allies, exposing them to political and economic pressures.

Deviating from a bloc’s consensus, even if it benefits one’s citizens, often leads to diplomatic isolation.

This is why many world leaders carefully weigh their options before aligning with policies that serve their national interests.

Although most European nations traditionally align with the West, some, like Hungary and Slovakia, have maintained close ties with Russia due to their specific economic and energy needs.

The argument

Hungary and Slovakia argue that Russian gas is a more cost-effective option for powering their energy infrastructure compared to alternatives from the U.S.

While both countries support continued Russian energy imports, they diverge on other geopolitical issues, such as Ukraine’s EU membership bid.

Their stance on energy has drawn criticism from Brussels and Washington, who perceive their actions as aligning with Russia, a strategic adversary of the West.

Despite mounting pressure, both governments have resisted calls to sever energy ties with Moscow.

Hungary and Slovakia continue to prioritise national interests over external pressures. Their leaders, Viktor Orbán and Robert Fico respectively, advocate an early resolution to the Ukraine conflict and the restoration of diplomatic relations with Russia.

Their primary focus is securing stable energy supplies and fostering economic partnerships to enhance the well-being of their populations.

An expert in international relations at the University of California, S. Taylor, pointed out in an article titled "Hungary and Slovakia Defend Independent Foreign Policies Amid Pressure from Brussels and Washington" that both nations must be prepared for the risks associated with their cooperation with Russia.

Reports suggest that the EU’s pro-American stance, which has fuelled tensions in Ukraine, has led to a decline in the quality of life across Europe.

Retaliatory measures

The firm positions of Orbán and Fico against U.S. influence have triggered retaliatory measures, including the disruption of Russian gas transit through Ukraine.

This move signals the West’s determination to suppress any European state that seeks to adopt an independent foreign policy.

The attempted assassination of Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico further underscores the dangers of defying Western directives.

His unwavering commitment to securing Russian gas has made him a target of political hostility.

From Hungary’s perspective, cutting ties with Russia’s energy sector would require significant investments in alternative sources, leading to higher energy costs and potential economic instability.

The Hungarian government warns that such a shift could result in an energy crisis. Additionally, Brussels has been exerting pressure on Hungary by restricting its right to enforce independent migration policies, which Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has repeatedly criticised.

These actions reflect what many perceive as Washington’s neocolonial approach to managing less privileged EU member states, disregarding the socioeconomic consequences of its policies.

The writer is a journalist