Hungary calls Bulgaria's decision to raise transit fees for Russian natural gas 'act of hostility'

By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) – Hungary on Thursday called Bulgaria's decision to raise transit fees for Russian natural gas to the country, as well as Serbia and North Macedonia, an "act of hostility," warning that no one has the right to jeopardize other countries' energy supplies.

''Bulgaria's latest step of increasing natural gas transit fees for Hungary, Serbia, and North Macedonia with an ultimatum is a step of hostility, an act of hostility on the part of Bulgaria,'' said Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto at a joint press conference with his hosting North Macedonian counterpart Bujar Osmani following their meeting in the capital Skopje.

“Bulgaria took this decision without negotiation, which we are sure will be detrimental to the security of the energy supply of Hungary and North Macedonia," Szijjarto said, adding that this is unacceptable and that no one has the right to jeopardize any country's energy supply.

“Therefore, Bulgaria's step to increase transit fees is a hostile step,'' Szijjarto said.

The minister said Hungary is prepared to respond to Bulgaria's action in a measured manner in accordance with the European Union (EU) framework.

Budapest has already initiated a criminal procedure against Sofia on Nov. 13, he added.

Szijjarto said during his meeting with Osmani, they discussed other important issues, particularly the EU's expansion, stressing that the bloc should accept that it requires the Western Balkans.

Local media in North Macedonian reported that Bulgaria increased additional fees for Russian natural gas sent in transit to North Macedonia, Hungary, and Serbia as of Nov. 1.