France hopes EU mission could help resolve issues with Druzhba oil pipeline

This was stated during a briefing at the Élysée Palace, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

“There are energy security issues that particularly concern Hungary and Slovakia. Within the sanctions regime, derogations are provided for these countries. In this context, the European Council’s position on establishing a technical assistance mission is supported. This mission is intended to assess the condition of pumping stations, particularly along the Druzhba oil pipeline,” advisers to the French President said.

According to them, all diplomatic contacts were engaged with Volodymyr Zelensky, as well as with the Prime Ministers of Hungary and Slovakia, to “effectively unblock the loan.”

“You have seen the exchange of letters between the President of the European Council, the European Commission, and the Hungarian and Ukrainian sides. A path is beginning to emerge – through this mission to establish the facts and carry out repair work funded by the European Union – that will allow the restoration of Russian crude oil supplies,” the Élysée Palace said, adding that the repair work could take several weeks.

According to the advisers, the goal was to ensure that “this issue is resolved before or as a result of the European Council meeting.”

At the same time, representatives of the Élysée Palace recalled that a “solidarity-based decision” on the loan to Ukraine had already been made last year.

“At the European Council in December last year, unanimous agreement was reached on a €90 billion European loan for Ukraine. Unanimous consent was also given to use the EU budget and the current multiannual financial framework to guarantee this loan,” advisers to Emmanuel Macron said.

According to them, such agreements are governed by the “principle of sincere cooperation” and a shared vision.

“Therefore, we expect that all those who were at the European Council table and were party to this decision and unanimous agreement will fulfill it,” the Élysée Palace added.

As reported, the European Union has offered assistance and funding to Ukraine to accelerate repair work on the Druzhba pipeline amid Hungary’s position. Hungary continues to block the EU loan for Ukraine and a sanctions package against Russia, linking these issues to the restoration of oil transit.