Serbian authorities have prevented what officials describe as a serious attempt to sabotage a major gas pipeline that carries Russian energy to Hungary, according to President Aleksandar Vučić. The discovery of powerful explosive devices near the northern municipality of Kanjiža has raised concerns about the safety of energy infrastructure in Southeast Europe during a period of rising political tension.

Speaking to reporters on April 5, Vučić said that security forces found “two large packages of explosives with sticks” in an area about 10 kilometers from the Hungarian border. The location is close to the route of the Balkan Stream pipeline, an important channel for delivering natural gas to Central Europe.

The Balkan Stream pipeline is part of the wider TurkStream pipeline network, which runs through Turkey, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Hungary before reaching the border with Slovakia. Hungary depends heavily on this route, importing between 7.4 and 7.6 billion cubic meters of gas each year through Serbia.

Vučić praised the work of Serbia’s intelligence and security services, saying their quick action likely prevented major damage. He warned that any successful attack could have caused serious gas shortages in both northern Serbia and Hungary. “Our services did a very good job,” he said, adding that the government will act strongly against anyone who threatens national infrastructure.

The president did not name any suspects or groups responsible for the alleged plot. However, the incident comes at a time of increased tension in the region, especially concerning energy supply routes linked to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

After the discovery, Vučić spoke by phone with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to inform him about the situation. Orbán confirmed the call and said that Hungary had called an emergency meeting of its defense council to review the risks and plan further action.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó also responded, strongly condemning the attempted attack. He said that any threat to energy supply is also a threat to national independence. “Undermining the security of our energy supply is an attack on our sovereignty,” he stated.

The case has also drawn attention from Russia. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova suggested that the incident could be part of wider efforts to put pressure on Hungary. She said that attempts to disrupt energy supplies may be aimed at forcing the country into decisions that could harm its economy and limit its independence.

According to Zakharova, such pressure can take many forms, including political influence, economic pressure, and interference in energy supply. While she did not provide proof linking any group to the plot, her comments reflect ongoing concerns about competition over energy resources in Europe.

The discovery near Kanjiža highlights the growing risks faced by energy infrastructure in the region. Pipelines such as Balkan Stream and TurkStream are not only important for supplying energy but also play a major role in political and economic relations. Any damage to these systems could have serious consequences for several countries.

The situation is made more complex by ongoing disagreements involving Ukraine. Hungary and Ukraine have been in dispute over the supply of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline. Earlier this year, Ukraine stopped the flow, saying the pipeline had been damaged by a drone strike. Russia rejected this claim, while Hungary and Slovakia accused Ukraine of using the situation to apply political pressure.

There have also been reports of attempts to target infrastructure linked to TurkStream. Russia has accused Ukrainian groups of planning or carrying out attacks on energy systems, although such claims are often disputed and difficult to confirm independently. The destruction of the Nord Stream pipelines in 2022 remains one of the most serious incidents involving energy infrastructure in Europe, and investigations are still ongoing.

This latest event in Serbia shows how difficult it is to protect pipelines that pass through several countries. Experts say that such systems require close cooperation between governments to ensure safety and quick response to threats.

For Serbia, the incident highlights its important role as a transit country for energy in Europe. Protecting pipelines like Balkan Stream is vital not only for its own stability but also for the wider region. Vučić said that Serbia will increase security measures around key infrastructure, although he did not give specific details.

Hungary faces its own challenges as it tries to secure stable energy supplies while dealing with political differences within Europe and with neighboring countries. The country has continued to support the use of Russian energy, arguing that alternative sources are not yet enough to meet its needs.

As the investigation continues, officials in Serbia and Hungary are expected to work closely together and share information. Authorities have said it is still too early to draw final conclusions about who was behind the plot or what their exact goals were.

The incident has increased concern about the safety of energy systems across Europe. As political tensions rise and competition for resources continues, protecting key infrastructure has become more important than ever.

Although the immediate danger in Kanjiža has been removed, the event serves as a warning about the risks facing energy networks. It also raises important questions about how countries can better protect these systems in a time of growing uncertainty and strategic rivalry.

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