Published: December 20 2023
Hungary has taken a stance on various EU energy measures, expressing support for an extension of a measure to expedite permits for renewable energy projects while opposing extensions of a gas price cap and joint gas procurement.
Hungary's Stance on Gas Price Cap
Hungary's state secretary for energy and climate policy, Attila Steiner, criticized the gas price cap of 180 euro/MWh implemented in February. He argued that this measure could lead to negative consequences and potential retaliation from Russia. Steiner expressed opposition to the extension of the gas price cap.
Opposition to Joint Gas Procurement
Steiner also stated Hungary's opposition to extending the joint EU gas procurement beyond the end of the year. He claimed that this extension would give the European Commission more influence. Steiner emphasized that the fairness of the EU's gas solidarity measure, which requires member states to support neighboring countries in case of a gas emergency, depends on the price at which the gas is procured.
Hungary's Support for EU Measure on Renewable Energy Projects
In contrast to its opposition on gas-related measures, Hungary is in favor of extending an EU initiative aimed at expediting the process of issuing permits for renewable energy projects. This stance demonstrates the country's support for the development and promotion of renewable energy sources.
Conclusion
Hungary's state secretary for energy and climate policy has expressed the country's support for an EU measure speeding up permits for renewable energy projects. However, Hungary is opposed to extensions of a gas price cap and joint gas procurement, citing concerns about potential negative consequences and an increase in the European Commission's influence.
Questions & Answers
What EU measure does Hungary support to accelerate the process of issuing permits for renewable energy projects? Hungary supports an EU measure to extend the process of issuing permits for renewable energy projects.
What is Hungary's stance on extensions of a gas price cap and joint gas procurement? Hungary is opposed to extensions of a gas price cap and joint gas procurement.
Why is Hungary opposed to the gas price cap extension? Hungary views the gas price cap extension as a punitive measure that could result in negative consequences on the Russian side.
Why is Hungary opposed to extending joint EU gas procurement? Hungary believes that extending joint EU gas procurement would give the European Commission more influence.
What does Hungary suggest in regards to the EU's gas solidarity measure? Hungary suggests that if the gas solidarity measure requires member states to top up neighbours' gas supplies in case of emergency, it should be based on the price at which the gas was procured, rather than market prices.
What was the article's source? The article was sourced from MTI (Magyar Távirati Iroda), a Hungarian news agency.
