Turkey guarantees Russian gas transit to Hungary during Orban visit

WISE NEWS PRESS / ISTANBUL, TURKEY — DEC. 09, 2025

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has announced that Turkey has guaranteed the continued supply of Russian natural gas to Hungary following high-level talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul.

The leaders met on Monday for the 7th meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, resulting in the signing of 16 agreements covering sectors ranging from defense and technology to aviation and the economy.

Energy Security and TurkStream

During the joint press conference at Dolmabahce Palace, Orban expressed gratitude to Erdogan for securing Hungary's energy supply. "I agreed with the President on the transport of gas through this route. I thank the President again for guaranteeing this to us," Orban stated.

Orban noted that Hungary has received 7.5 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas via the TurkStream pipeline so far this year. This guarantee is significant as Hungary had previously signed a 15-year agreement with Russia in 2021 for 4.5 bcm annually, later increasing purchases from Gazprom.

Strengthening Economic Ties

President Erdogan highlighted the robust economic relationship between the two nations, noting that they are approaching their initial trade volume goal of $6 billion. "Considering the strong trade potential between us, we discussed updating our volume target to $10 billion," Erdogan said.

Erdogan also emphasized cooperation in the defense industry, stating that they are evaluating projects that envisage joint production, taking into account the changing security conditions in Europe.

Context of EU Sanctions

The meeting occurs against a backdrop of complex energy politics. While the European Union recently decided to completely stop Russian natural gas imports by the end of 2027, Hungary has maintained distinct energy ties with Moscow.

Following a meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington last month, Budapest was granted a one-year exemption from US sanctions regarding the use of Russian oil and gas. Orban also visited Vladimir Putin in Moscow in late November to secure energy supplies for the winter.

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