Hungary Calls for EU Legal Action Against Bulgarian Transit Tax on Russian Gas

Hungary asserts Bulgarian transit tax poses violation to EU's laws on customs and trade, risking regional energy security and Gazprom's profits.

Hungary has requested the European Union to initiate legal proceedings against Bulgaria for imposing a transit tax on Russian gas, alleging it to be a violation of EU's customs and trade laws.
Bulgaria levied the tax in an attempt to diminish Gazprom's dominant role in Southeast Europe and to limit Russian influence in the region, a move that has upset Serbia and Hungary, who mainly rely on Russian gas transported through the TurkStream pipeline.
Hungary's Minister for EU affairs, Janos Boka, claimed that the tax was implemented without consulting Hungary and threatens the region's energy security.
In the event where the EU does not commence an infringement procedure, Hungary plans to take the issue before the EU's highest court by the end of the year.
While Bulgaria does not foresee the tax affecting gas prices for Hungary and Serbia, it expects reduced profits for Gazprom.