Statement by the President of the European Commission and the President of the European Council on the Druzhba pipeline*

Following the renewed Russian strikes on January 27 on the Druzhba pipeline, leading to the interruption of crude oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia, we and our teams have engaged in intense discussions with Member States and Ukraine at all levels to repair and 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 European Commission 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.

*Updated on 17 March, 2026, at 12:00 CET.