European Commission proposes fact-finding mission to Kyiv regarding Druzhba pipeline
The European Commission has proposed sending a fact-finding mission to Ukraine to inspect the Druzhba oil pipeline; however, there is currently no information regarding a Hungarian delegation in Brussels.
Anna-Kaisa Itkonen, the European Commission spokesperson for energy issues, announced this during a briefing in Brussels on Thursday.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has accused Ukraine of maintaining the pipeline in working order while intentionally cutting off Russian oil supplies to Hungary. Consequently, Budapest has blocked both a EUR 90 billion loan for Ukraine and the 20th package of sanctions against Russia. Similar accusations have been made by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
"We are conducting intensive discussions and are in contact with Ukraine on this matter, as has been the case for several weeks, as well as with the member states most concerned [referring to Hungary and Slovakia]. I can inform you that we have proposed a mission to Ukraine to verify the pipeline. I do not have any data regarding a Hungarian delegation," she stated.
As of today, Itkonen has no further details. "We have proposed such a fact-finding mission in Ukraine. We are currently waiting for a response and remain in contact with the Ukrainian authorities as well as other member states, but at this stage, I have no more details to share," the spokesperson explained.
