Serbian Finance Minister Siniša Mali described the European Union Council’s position to ban Russian gas imports into EU countries from January 1, 2026—including transit to third countries—as a “catastrophic decision” for Serbia. Speaking in Budapest, where he met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić as guests of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Mali told RTS that the EU measure, combined with U.S. sanctions on the Serbian oil industry that restrict crude oil imports, creates a “major problem” for the country’s energy supply.
“From January 1, 2026, there will be no new contracts with Russia for gas supply, and from January 1, 2028, no Russian gas will flow into Europe. We receive gas via Bulgaria and Hungary, both EU members. If they cannot access Russian gas, how will we? This is a huge problem for us at the moment,” Mali said, according to Beta. He added that the situation “is far from simple” and noted that President Vučić appears deeply concerned, although Mali sees that he is actively considering potential solutions.
Earlier, the EU Council adopted a negotiating position for discussions with the European Parliament on the gradual phase-out of Russian natural gas imports, confirming that the ban would take effect from January 1, 2026, and apply to transit to third countries as well.
Mali also said that during a working dinner hosted by Orbán for Vučić and himself, they discussed a range of projects, including road infrastructure, energy investments, high-speed rail, and military-technical cooperation.
“We have never had better relations with Hungary. Ten days ago, the Belgrade-Subotica high-speed rail line was inaugurated. We expect Hungary to complete its section soon, and from March, there will be a high-speed train from Belgrade to Budapest,” Mali said.
