Croatian Economy Minister Ante Šušnjar addressed ongoing tensions regarding the transport of Russian crude and the role of the state-owned pipeline operator JANAF. He emphasized that JANAF remains a stable and reliable transit partner, offering competitive tariffs and logistical advantages due to its shorter route toward Central Europe. While noting that transportation costs through the Croatian system are lower than via the Druzhba pipeline, he acknowledged that the price of Russian crude itself remains cheaper than alternative supplies sourced within the European Union.
Minister Šušnjar called on EU partners, particularly Hungary and Slovakia, to reduce their reliance on Russian fossil fuels, arguing that such a step would demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine and support broader European efforts to end the war. Addressing Hungary’s request to allow Russian oil deliveries via JANAF, Susnjar underscored Croatia’s sovereign decision-making. He stated that while Croatia respects international law and its obligations within the EU and transatlantic partnerships, there is no legal requirement mandating the country to facilitate Russian oil transit. Croatia will continue to adhere to existing EU and US sanctions regimes and will not yield to external pressure.
The dispute over pipeline access has intensified recently, with Hungary urging Croatia to permit Russian oil shipments under what it describes as EU rules. The Croatian Government has rejected the demand, maintaining that it will not authorize deliveries to Hungary or Slovakia.
Tensions escalated further as Hungary’s government, led by Viktor Orban, responded to Druzhba route disruptions by suspending diesel and electricity deliveries to Ukraine. The standoff highlights broader regional divisions over energy policy and the future of Russian supplies in Central Europe.
