eu

The European Commission is back in the hot seat, and this time, it’s about a pipe. Specifically, the Druzhba pipeline. After damage in late January choked off the flow of Russian crude to Hungary and Slovakia, Brussels is now scrambling to figure out "emergency steps" to get the oil moving again.
It’s a bit of a geopolitical headache. On one hand, the EU wants to squeeze Russia’s wallet; on the other, landlocked member states are starting to sweat over their fuel supplies.
What’s actually happening?
The situation is messy, to say the least. Here’s the breakdown of the current friction:
The Damage: The pipeline has been down since January 27. Ukraine claims a Russian drone attack caused the disruption.
The Accusation: Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico isn't buying the "technical difficulties" story. He’s calling it “political blackmail,” suggesting Ukraine is intentionally dragging its feet on repairs to pressure Hungary into dropping its veto on EU-Ukraine matters.
The Safety Net: The EU insists there’s no immediate crisis. Hungary and Slovakia currently sit on about 90 days of reserve stocks, so the lights aren’t going out tomorrow.
The Croatian Alternative (and the Snark)
With the Druzhba line out of commission, Hungary is looking at the Adria pipeline through Croatia as a plan B.
While Croatian Economy Minister Ante Šušnjar says they are ready to help "solve the acute disruption," he didn't miss the chance to throw some shade. He pointed out that the Adria pipeline is perfectly functional and that there are no technical excuses for staying tied to Russian crude. His take? It's time to stop "war profiteering" from cheaper Russian barrels.
A Choice, Not a Necessity?
A recent report from the Center for the Study of Democracy (CSD) echoes that sentiment. They argue that Hungary doesn't actually need Russian oil—other sources are available. According to the CSD, continuing the sanctions exemption is a policy choice that weakens EU unity rather than a logistical necessity. They’re pushing for a total phase-out by the end of 2026.
The EU finds itself in a familiar, awkward position: trying to maintain a united front against the Kremlin while managing the internal bickering of its own members.