Hungary has withdrawn its threat to obstruct the continuation of EU sanctions against Russia for an additional six months.
This development has led EU foreign ministers to reach a unanimous decision to preserve financial pressure on Russia in light of its invasion of Ukraine.
The breakthrough came after the European Commission agreed to include Hungary and Slovakia in discussions aimed at restoring gas supplies, following Ukraine’s announcement to halt the transit of Russian gas through its territory.
Hungary expressed concerns that Ukraine’s action—deemed vital by Kyiv for cutting off revenue to Russia—was negatively impacting the Hungarian economy. Prime Minister Viktor Orban attempted to leverage his threat to block sanctions in order to reinstate the transit of Russian gas to Hungary.
“In this context, the Commission is prepared to include Hungary in the discussions (alongside Slovakia).”
The statement further noted: “The integrity of the energy infrastructure supplying EU Member States is a matter of EU security. The Commission anticipates that all third countries will adhere to this principle and stands ready to take measures to safeguard critical energy infrastructure, including electricity cables and oil and gas pipelines or facilities.”
Prime Minister Orban, who has consistently delayed EU financial and military support for Ukraine and is viewed as having a close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, had previously threatened to veto the sanctions’ extension.
To extend sanctions against Russia, a unanimous agreement from all 27 member states is required every six months, with a deadline of January 31 approaching.
As of Friday, Hungary had yet to make a decision regarding its support for the extension.
Upon his arrival at the meeting this morning, the Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris stated: “It is essential that we maintain European solidarity. We must ensure the rollover of sanctions concerning Russia. That’s absolutely critical.”
