EU Statement on Druzhba Pipeline Oil Supply Interruption

EU Council Sanctions Press Releases

Published March 17th, 2026

Detected March 18th, 2026

Summary

The EU Council issued a joint statement addressing the interruption of crude oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia following Russian strikes on the Druzhba pipeline. The EU has offered technical support and funding to Ukraine to restore oil flow and is working on alternative routes for non-Russian crude oil.

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What changed

The European Commission and European Council have issued a joint statement regarding the interruption of crude oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia, caused by Russian strikes on the Druzhba pipeline on January 27, 2026. The EU has offered technical support and funding to Ukraine, which has been accepted, to help restore oil flow. European experts are immediately available to assist.

This statement highlights the EU's priority of ensuring energy security for its citizens and indicates ongoing work with concerned parties to find alternative routes for non-Russian crude oil transit to Central and Eastern European countries. While no specific compliance deadlines or penalties are mentioned, regulated entities involved in energy supply chains should be aware of the geopolitical implications and the EU's efforts to diversify energy sources and routes.

What to do next

Review current energy supply contracts and routes for potential disruptions.
Monitor further EU communications regarding alternative energy routes and support mechanisms.
Assess potential impacts of ongoing geopolitical events on energy security and supply chains.

Source document (simplified)

European Council
Statements and remarks
17 March 2026 11:45

Joint statement by President von der Leyen and President Costa on the Druzhba pipeline

Following the renewed Russian strikes on 27 January on the Druzhba pipeline, leading to the interruption of crude oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia, the President of the European Commission and the President of the European Council have engaged in intense discussions with member states and Ukraine at all levels to restore the flow of oil to Hungary and Slovakia.

The EU has offered Ukraine technical support and funding. The Ukrainians have welcomed and accepted this offer. European experts are available immediately.

Our priority is to ensure energy security for all European citizens. In this sense, the President of the European Commission and the President of the European Council will continue to work with the concerned parties on alternative routes for the transit of non-Russian crude oil to the countries of Central and Eastern Europe.