The Kremlin’s Grip: How Russian Fossil Fuels Shape Hungary’s Fate

There are alternative supply routes that could ease energy ties with Moscow

30 May 2024

Zsuzsanna Szabó

Visegrad Insight Fellow

Moscow uses gas prices and supply to influence European countries and weaken support for Ukraine. While Hungary struggles to cut energy ties with Russia, partly due to reluctance, many alternative sources also fall under Kremlin influence. So what does this mean for Europe’s energy independence?

On 1 July, Hungary will take over the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union.

A Viktor Orbán-led government with serious rule-of-law deficits and worryingly close ties to the Kremlin will preside over one of the EU’s most important institutions for six months.

Moreover, Hungary is a prime example of how Moscow leverages political influence over European countries and weakens support for Ukraine through the use of gas prices and supply manipulation.

Subscribe

Democratic security comes at a price. What is yours? By subscribing or donating now gain access to analysis, forecasts and scenarios by leading analysts and reporters who monitor democratic risks and develop policy debate from Central Europe on Central Europe.

MonthlyVAT included

€4/month

See all details

  • Full access to articles and all reports in PDF
  • Weekly outlook on democratic security in CEE delivered by e-mail
  • Weekly newsletter with essential highlights
  • Invitations to all Visegrad Insight events online and offline

AnnualVAT included

€40/year

See all details

  • Individual subscribers only. Check our CORPORATE OFFER below
  • 15% Discount (8 EUR off monthly cost if paid annually)
  • Full access to articles and all reports in PDF
  • Weekly outlook on democratic security in CEE delivered by e-mail
  • Weekly newsletter with essential highlights
  • Invitations to all Visegrad Insight events online and offline

Student OR Donation

Choose your contribution

See all details

  • Full access to articles and all reports in PDF
  • Weekly newsletter with essential highlights
  • Some Visegrad Insight events invitations

I am a representative of an institution/business. Is there a corporate offer?

The annual subscription for up to ten institutional users: EUR 999
GO TO CHECKOUT

For a tailor-made offer email us: contact@visegradinsight.eu 

  • Access to all articles for your team
  • Access to all Reports for your team
  • Every Monday a Weekly Outlook with an update on key developments in Central Europe delivered by e-mail
  • Every Thursday a newsletter with the most important highlights and invitations
  • Personal invitations to Visegrad Insight Events
  • Foresight, policy, and risk analysis reports (on-demand)

Intelligence prepared by a group of Visegrad Insight Fellows from all across

Can I receive an invoice?

Yes. You will receive a receipt immediately after purchase and a VAT invoice upon request. The subscription amount includes tax. In case of a donation, there is no tax.

Are my credit card details safe?

Yes. The payment is processed by STRIPE www.stripe.com entrusted also by Amazon, Zoom, Booking.com and used by other global NGOs and businesses in the world. We do not store your credit card details.

How modify or cancel my subscription?

At any moment you can manage your subscription and account details. Sign in to modify or cancel.

Zsuzsanna Szabó

Visegrad Insight Fellow

Visegrad Insight Fellow. Zsuzsanna Szabó is a Hungarian journalist, energy expert with a decade-long experience in the industry. She writes for reputable publications across Europe.

Newsletter

Weekly updates with our latest articles and the editorial commentary.