Budapest says farmers need cheaper fertilizer as prices rise, challenging an EU policy meant to curb funding for Russia’s war in Ukraine.

One month ahead of Hungary’s parliamentary election — which will determine the future of media freedom in the European Union — Reporters Without Borders (RSF) met with the country’s media community and opposition party.

BRUSSELS (AP) — Top European Union officials said Tuesday they have offered to pay Ukraine to repair a damaged pipeline meant to carry crude oil to Hungary, in a bid to persuade the government in Budapest to lift its veto on a massive aid package to the war-wracked country.

Hungary has called for easing sanctions on Russian oil amid volatile energy markets following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, creating a rift with the EU and Ukraine.

EU officials say they have offered money and technical help to Ukraine to fix a key oil pipeline to Central Europe. They hope that will persuade Hungary to drop its veto on major aid to Ukraine.

European Union leaders will attempt to find quick fixes to curb the ​jump in energy prices triggered by the Iran war when they meet for a summit on Thursday, but they have ‌few easy options.Europe’s heavy reliance on energy imports means the continent is heavily exposed to surging prices caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz,