The utility cost reduction policy is successful: the degree of energy poverty in Hungary is barely half of the EU average

The European Commission recently published its annual report on the state of the Energy Union. The document proves the success of the Hungarian energy policy: while on average 9.3% of citizens in the European Union have financial difficulties heating their homes adequately, in Hungary this value is 50% lower than the EU-average. However, Brussels seems not bothered by the facts and continues to demand the termination of the Hungarian overhead reduction scheme. We remain firmly in favour of the policy of reducing household utility costs.

The European Commission presents the achievements of European energy policy in annual reports about the state of the Energy Union. This year’s report clearly shows the practical consequences of Brussels’ failed sanctions and energy policy. Energy poverty in Europe has reached record levels: in 2022, almost every tenth European family could not adequately heat their homes due to financial reasons.

Despite the withholding of EU funds that rightfully belong to our country and the growing pressure from Brussels to end the overhead reduction policy, this ratio in Hungary is only 4.7%. This is a significant decrease compared to the 15-20% level measured between 2002 and 2010 during the leftist Gyurcsány-era. It is noteworthy that, according to the Commission’s report, the level of energy poverty in Germany is currently 6.6%, while in France it is 10.9%, and in Romania it is 15.2%.

Nevertheless, in the report, Brussels again demands Hungary to abolish its overhead reduction policy. “This is another absurd proposal from Brussels, the Commission’s demand is refuted by its own data. Protecting the population from high energy prices is an integral part of national sovereignty. That’s why we firmly say no to Brussels’ efforts to disregard Hungary’s sovereignty,” Fidesz MEP András Gyürk said.