After weeks of blockade, the Hungarian government has now agreed to an extension of EU sanctions against Russia. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government took the necessary decision to continue punitive measures during a meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels. In return, Hungary will receive assurances that its energy security concerns will be addressed.
To agree to the extension of the sanctions, Orbán initially demanded, among other things, that Ukraine reopen a recently closed pipeline that had previously transported Russian natural gas to Central Europe and thus also to Hungary. The European Commission has reportedly committed to protecting natural gas and oil pipelines to EU member states. At the same time, Brussels is now demanding guarantees from Ukraine that it will guarantee gas and oil supplies to the EU, it said.
Minister of Foreign Affairs: Brussels must represent the interests of its members
Before the vote, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó complained about the “enormous damage” the sanctions would do to both Hungary and Europe. This must finally come to an end, the minister emphasized and called on the European Commission to represent the interests of the member states and not those of EU candidate Ukraine.
If Hungary had not agreed to extend the EU sanctions, they would have expired on January 31. This would have consequences for the extensive economic and financial sanctions, but also for the more symbolic sanctions against more than 2,000 people and companies. Among the latter are top Russian politicians such as President Vladimir Putin and numerous oligarchs.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
