Energy Central: How strategic thinking and smart policy choices have positioned Hungary as a regional energy hub

Hungary is rapidly emerging as a strategic energy hub in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) due to a pragmatic foreign policy and targeted infrastructure investments. This article by Ibrahim Mammadov explores how Hungary’s balanced approach—preserving traditional ties with Russia while forging new partnerships with Caspian and Central Asian nations—has enabled it to become a key transit and distribution center for both fossil fuels and green energy. Amidst the EU's broader push for energy diversification following the Ukraine crisis, Hungary has maintained access to affordable Russian gas via the TurkStream pipeline, while simultaneously integrating into the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) through new interconnectors and supply deals with Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan.

Ibrahim Mammadov highlights Hungary’s strategic acquisition of port rights in Trieste, Italy, enhancing its maritime access and energy trade capabilities. Major national energy firms, such as MOL and MVM, are expanding internationally, reinforcing Hungary’s role in regional energy security. Hungary is also at the center of major green energy initiatives, including the Black Sea Submarine Cable (BSSC), which will channel renewable electricity from the South Caucasus and potentially Central Asia into the European grid via Hungary.

Additionally, Hungary's partnership with Kazakhstan on oil imports and plans for a Kazakh terminal within its territory further diversify its energy portfolio. By 2028–2029, with the completion of key projects such as the Serbia–Hungary Interconnector, the Trieste logistics hub, and the BSSC, Hungary is set to become a central node in both conventional and renewable energy networks across Europe. This transformation reflects a strategic vision grounded in geopolitical realism, long-term cooperation, and infrastructure foresight, positioning Hungary as a linchpin in Europe’s evolving energy architecture.