Turkish-Hungarian Energy Cooperation

Authors: Dr. Adrienn Prieger

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37082/IJIRMPS.ICE2MAS-24.1

Short DOI: https://doi.org/g8zsfb

Full-text Research PDF File:   View   |   Download

Abstract: Today, energy supply has become a key issue for all of Europe. The world’s population has grown significantly over recent decades, reaching 8 billion in 2022, and it could reach 9 billion by 2037. This growth also impacts energy demand. Some forecasts indicate that global energy demand will increase by a staggering 50 percent by 2050.

Europe does not have sufficient energy resources to meet its growing energy needs and, therefore, relies on energy imports. The European Council has set ambitious targets for 2030—through increased commitments—to enable the EU to develop a more competitive, secure, and sustainable energy system. The closest major resources are in the Middle East and Central Asia, from where energy resources are transported to Europe through various routes. Transportation of energy resources via pipelines is the most environmentally and economically favourable option; however, the Russia-Ukraine war has closed northern land routes, meaning that viable land routes now pass through Turkey into Europe, including to Hungary.

Hungary has especially limited energy resources, making energy cooperation with Turkey crucial. In December 2023, Hungary and Turkey entered into a strategic partnership, which the Hungarian prime minister described as the closest form of friendship, brotherhood, and political cooperation in diplomatic terms. He also emphasized that during Hungary’s EU presidency, it will make every effort to modernize the customs union between the EU and Turkey and support Turkey in its visa liberalization efforts. In connection with the agreement, the Hungarian prime minister also noted that, in terms of energy security, Hungary and Turkey have agreed not only to transport natural gas through Turkey but also to purchase it from Turkey. In my presentation, I intend to highlight the significance of Turkish-Hungarian energy cooperation.

To understand the importance of Turkish-Hungarian energy cooperation, we must also recognize that Turkey’s accession to the European Union and the potential future of its integration remain unresolved issues. Turkey first submitted its application to join the European Economic Community in 1959, but full membership, as well as the timing of such, remains uncertain to this day. In fact, full membership seems increasingly distant, and recent developments indicate a shift toward establishing new forms of integration instead.

Keywords: Hungary, Turkey, Energy, Europe

Paper Id: 7.701

Published On: 2025-01-15

Published In: Special Issue - International Conference on Engineering, Economics, Management and Applied Sciences (January 2025)

Share this