In addition to finding a resolution to the crisis in Ukraine through negotiations, the countries of Central and Eastern Europe must prepare a contingency plan for guaranteeing their energy supplies, Foreign Minister János Martonyi declared on Friday.

Following a two-day meeting with his counterparts from the Visegrad Group (V4), Nordic and Baltic countries in Narva, Estonia, János Martonyi said that the participants of the meeting represented an especially broad group that included two countries,  Norway and Iceland, which are not members of the European Union.

The standpoints of the twelve countries were in line with the conclusions drawn at a meeting of EU heads of state and government at their special summit on Ukraine, the Hungarian Foreign Minister stressed. The 12 foreign ministers’ meeting in Navra also condemned Russia's aggression and called for the immediate withdrawal of its forces. They stated that the situation in Ukraine is not improving. In fact, based on the events of the past few days, it is deteriorating, the Minister said.

Mr. Martonyi said that one important topic discussed at the meeting was energy supply. The foreign ministers agreed on the need to speed up efforts towards creating a common energy market, with special attention paid to the conditions required for infrastructure and gas and oil pipelines. The countries urged dialogue and negotiations, the Minister noted.

At the same time, in the current situation it is necessary to prepare for every possible eventuality, the Hungarian Foreign Minister warned. The countries of Central and Eastern Europe should work out how they can procure alternative supplies of oil and gas should the need arise, as well as what immediate measures would be needed to realise this, he added.

Minister Martonyi said that they urged the United States Congress to endorse a law allowing the export of liquefied gas. This would be very important for Europe, he said, adding that Hungary is especially affected by the current situation. In all events, it must be capable of covering its gas requirements, and the country is doing everything necessary in order to achieve this. The meeting in Navra was one port of call in this process, he added.

The 12 foreign ministers voiced their concern that the conflict could become frozen, since this would have an unfavourable impact on the European and Hungarian economies in the long term. This must be avoided, and for this to happen constructive talks must begin as soon as possible, János Martonyi concluded.

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs)