Croatia can provide Hungary and Slovakia with all the oil they need through the Adriatic pipeline, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković said on Tuesday, urging Budapest and Bratislava to reassure their citizens that their energy security is not at risk.
Speaking in Kyiv on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Plenković said there was “no doubt” that Croatia could fully supply both countries via the JANAF pipeline system.
“As far as the possibility that Croatia completely supplies both Hungary and Slovakia with energy is concerned, there are no dilemmas,” Plenković told reporters. “We have been saying this to our partners – to the Hungarians, the Slovaks and the European Commission – all along.”
Hungary and Slovakia have blocked the European Union’s 20th sanctions package against Russia, as well as a proposed 90-billion-euro ($97 billion) financial aid plan for Ukraine, citing concerns over the suspension of Russian oil deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline via Ukraine.
Plenković said the issue stemmed from an existing commercial arrangement under which Hungary’s MOL and its Russian partners had been purchasing cheaper Russian oil delivered directly through the Druzhba pipeline to refineries in Hungary and Slovakia.
“We call on our friends in Hungary and Slovakia to explain to their citizens that they are not threatened in energy terms and that all the oil they need can be secured in an organised manner through JANAF, through Croatia,” he said.
Croatia can ensure long-term, stable and reliable energy supply, Plenković added, describing the Adriatic route as capable of becoming the primary and sole supply line if needed.
Plenković joined leaders of the European Commission and European Council, as well as Denmark, Sweden and Finland, in Kyiv to express solidarity with Ukraine. However, EU unity has been strained by Budapest and Bratislava’s opposition to further sanctions and aid measures.
The Croatian prime minister said his visit sent a message of solidarity to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, parliamentary speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk and the Ukrainian people.
He said Croatia continues to support Ukraine politically, economically, militarily and humanitarianly. Earlier this month, the government approved further assistance to Ukraine’s energy sector and continued support for demining efforts.
During his visit, Plenković was awarded the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, First Class, in recognition of his contribution to strengthening interstate cooperation and supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Plenković said he viewed the award as recognition of Croatia’s support for Ukraine over the past four years.