Hungary has received temporary approval from the European Commission to postpone full implementation of EU gas-capacity rules at its border with Serbia until the 2027/2028 gas year. The exemption relates to requirements that cross-border pipeline capacity be sold as a single bundled product on both sides of an interconnection. The measure is connected to an interconnection procedure that depends on arrangements on both sides of the border.
Serbia is outside the EU and has not yet completed the regulatory and technical arrangements needed to implement the bundled-product system. As a result, the temporary approach is intended to maintain continuity while preparations continue. The change affects how capacity sales are structured for the relevant cross-border pipeline connection.
Bundled capacity sales and Serbia’s readiness
The derogation concerns EU rules requiring capacity at an interconnection to be offered as a bundled product across the two sides of the pipeline. This framework is designed to coordinate capacity allocation through a single product concept rather than separate offerings. Serbia’s incomplete regulatory and technical setup remains a key factor behind the delayed implementation.
The European Commission concluded that the temporary arrangement would not materially disrupt the EU gas market or threaten security of supply. The decision provides additional time for operators and regulators to align Serbia-Hungary capacity procedures. It also preserves flows along a regional corridor that has grown in commercial importance.
MEKH request and TurkStream flows via Kiskundorozsma
The Hungarian regulator MEKH requested the exemption in February. The Serbian corridor has become a major supply route for Hungary, with much of Hungary’s TurkStream gas entering through Serbia at Kiskundorozsma. Annual import capacity at that entry point is around 8.5 billion cubic metres.
The Commission’s temporary approval extends the period during which capacity procedures can be adjusted without full application of the EU bundling requirement. Operators and regulators therefore receive time to align implementation steps between Serbia and Hungary while maintaining existing gas flows along the corridor.
