MEP Calls for Clear Action from Brussels Against High Energy Prices

On behalf of the Fidesz Group in the European Parliament, MEP András Gyürk has written to the European Commission, informing it that it did nothing when Russian gas transit through Ukraine was shut down at the beginning of the year. “We expect Brussels to take clear action against high energy prices and speculation on the gas market,” the politician said in a statement.

András Gyürk recalled that the European Commission led by Ursula von der Leyen had promised to bring down energy prices before taking office, but European gas prices have risen by around 20 percent in the past three months. Despite Brussels’ promises, gas prices on the market have risen by a fifth since November, he pointed out.

The bureaucrats have stood idly by while 15 billion cubic meters of gas have been withdrawn from the European market following the shutdown of gas transit via Ukraine.

They also failed to act against speculation on the gas market, which made it more expensive to fill gas storage facilities in the summer. This is unacceptable and we have written to the European Commission to ask questions,” emphasized the Fidesz politician.

András Gyürk. Photo: MTI/Bodnár Boglárka

He continued: “We are waiting to see what specific practical steps the European Commission plans to take against speculation that makes summer gas purchases more expensive.

We are also waiting for information from Brussels on whether it plans to provide financial and technical support to the Eastern and Central European countries negatively affected by the Ukrainian gas transit shutdown.”

András Gyürk noted that lowering energy prices is an indispensable condition for ensuring economic competitiveness and the well-being of citizens, adding that it is time for the new European Commission to recognize this and to start working to bring down energy prices instead of making empty promises.

Fact

Since January 1, no Russian gas is flowing through Ukraine to Europe. As reported by Hungary Today, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy celebrated the halt of Russian gas transit as one of Moscow’s biggest defeats so far. While in Hungary, there will be no supply disruption due to the long-term Hungarian-Russian gas purchase contract in force, shutting off gas transit may have a drastic impact on the European Union. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico also warned the EU leaders in an open letter that Russian gas transit halt would cost the EU tens of billions of euros and that its “silent” acceptance would lead to tensions and retaliatory measures.

Ukraine Celebrates Cutting off Neighbors’ Gas Supplies as Victory