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Hungary's FM says EU uses double standards on Nord Stream 2, South Stream

The EU have been putting serious pressure on Hungary and some other European countries in order to prevent South Stream gas pipeline project implementation, Hungary’s Foreign Minister says

© EPA/FILIP SINGER

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European Commission concerned of Nord Stream-2 impact on Ukraine’s gas transit — official

BUDAPEST, May 25. /TASS/. The European Union (EU) is using double standards regarding Nord Stream 2 and South Stream gas pipeline projects, Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said after talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday.

"What is currently happening with regards to Nord Stream 2 investment demonstrates the EU’s double standards," he said, adding that "the European Union and other our friends have been putting serious pressure on us and some other Balkan and Central European countries in order to prevent South Stream implementation."

"For Hungary South Stream would mean diversification, which would improve the country’s energy security," Szijjarto said. "Back then the argument was voiced that a pipeline bypassing Ukraine should not be constructed and the project is not economically viable," he added.

"Now we see that there is another pipeline bypassing Ukraine but the European Commission does not protest as loudly as they did regarding South Stream, so I see only one difference in those "streams" - companies’ participations, which means the European Commission uses double standards," foreign minister said.

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