19:28 / 02.10.2025.

Author: Katja Miličić

Plenković and Orbán strike softer tone on JANAF dispute

Andrej Plenković
Andrej Plenković
Foto: HRT / HTV

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán sought to ease tensions on Thursday over oil transport through the Adriatic Pipeline (JANAF), following a week of sharp rhetoric. 

The dispute escalated after Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó accused Croatia of overcharging for oil transport and claimed JANAF lacked the capacity to meet Hungary’s and Slovakia’s needs—allegations that suggested both countries would remain dependent on Russian oil.


Plenković criticized the tone of recent statements, saying the issue had been exaggerated by media coverage.


“The JANAF pipeline exists not only to supply Croatia with oil but also our neighboring countries, first and foremost Hungary and Slovakia,” Plenković said.


He proposed a meeting between JANAF and Hungarian energy company MOL representatives to explore ways of increasing oil deliveries at benchmark rates. Plenković stressed that both governments wanted to improve, not strain, bilateral relations.


After the meeting, Orbán posted on X that Hungary’s priority remained securing affordable energy for households and businesses.


“Croatia is a historic strategic partner of Hungary, and Hungary will always give Croatia the historic respect it deserves. We are committed to de-escalating tensions and ensuring the highest level of mutual respect,” Orbán wrote.


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