The European Union is preparing to discuss three possible ways out of a sanctions standoff that has been stalled by vetoes from Hungary and Slovakia. The two countries have blocked renewals of EU sanctions on Russia, citing concerns tied to the Druzhba oil pipeline.
Why the pipeline matters
The Druzhba pipeline is a major route for Russian oil into central Europe. Hungary and Slovakia rely on it for a significant share of their crude imports. When the EU imposed sanctions on Russian oil after the invasion of Ukraine, it granted exemptions for pipeline deliveries to landlocked member states that had no immediate alternative. Those exemptions are now at the center of the deadlock. Budapest and Bratislava argue that any tightening of sanctions could cut off their supply, and they have used their veto power to block broader sanctions packages.
The three scenarios on the table
According to EU officials, the bloc’s foreign policy arm has drawn up three scenarios for discussion among member states. The first scenario would maintain the current pipeline exemptions but add stricter monitoring and reporting requirements to prevent circumvention. The second would phase out the exemptions over a set period, giving Hungary and Slovakia time to secure alternative supplies. The third scenario would remove the exemptions entirely, effectively banning all Russian oil imports via Druzhba, but would include a compensation mechanism for affected countries.
Each option carries political and economic risks. The first might not satisfy critics who say the exemptions are a loophole. The second could be seen as a delay tactic. The third would require significant financial support and infrastructure investment, and it is unclear whether the EU budget or a separate fund would cover the costs.
What happens next
The European Commission is expected to present the three scenarios to EU ambassadors in the coming days. No formal vote is scheduled yet. Diplomats say the goal is to find a compromise before the next round of sanctions renewals, which must be approved unanimously. If Hungary and Slovakia continue to veto, the EU could face a rare public split over its Russia policy. The discussion is set to continue at the next meeting of foreign ministers.
