"Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto underscored the strategic importance of Hungarian–Serbian cooperation for regional energy security, warning that EU policies have exacerbated Central Europe's energy challenges. "Without Hungarian–Serbian friendship, we would not have been able to overcome this difficult situation," Szijjarto said at a joint press conference with Serbian Mining and Energy Minister Dedovic Handanovic in Belgrade on Thursday. He added that during 'the very difficult weeks and months behind us', cooperation between the two countries ensured energy supply across the region. "The past months have again proven that without Hungary there is no energy security in Serbia and without Serbia there is no energy security in Hungary," Szijjarto emphasised. Criticising the European Union policies, he said, "The war in Ukraine, Brussels' pro-war policy, and the sanctions have led to the fact that we here in Central Europe have been forced to face an energy crisis." He further accused Brussels of wanting to worsen the situation by closing off reliable sources and established transport routes. Addressing energy company MOL's intention to acquire a majority stake, Szijjarto clarified, "The specification of all other numerical data depends on MOL. This is a business matter for MOL, but there is no doubt that we are talking about a majority stake." The foreign minister also confirmed Hungary will immediately submit it for approval to the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), hoping that they will receive the permit through a fast-track procedure. Meanwhile, Dedovic Handanovic confirmed, "We have comprehensive cooperation in the gas sector," noting, "Serbia is a transit country through which Hungary is supplied with gas, as well as Slovakia and other countries in Central Europe." According to Energy Minister, two countries are also in talks for the construction of new power lines between them to enable "additional interconnection in the power sector and more stable electricity exchange." Serbia is seeking the US license to allow the refinery to continue operating during negotiations over the sale of NIS (Naftna Industrija Srbije) by its Russian owners. In January 2025, the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on the country's sole oil company. Washington granted waivers before sanctions took full effect in October, prompting banks to halt payments and stopping crude supplies via the JANAF pipeline."