Orbán's Threat to Veto Sanctions Places EU Policy in Jeopardy
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is threatening to block EU sanctions against Russia, casting doubt as the January deadline approaches.
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has suggested he might veto the European Union's sanctions on Russia, potentially affecting the bloc's foreign policy and strategy towards Russia.
The EU sanctions, initially introduced in February 2022 in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, cover trade, energy, finance, and asset bans.
These measures need unanimous renewal from all member states every six months, with the next deadline on January 31. Orbán and his ministers have critiqued the sanctions, advocating for the EU to reassess its position in light of changing geopolitical circumstances, especially after US President Donald Trump's inauguration and his calls for talks with Russia.
Orbán's statements have raised concerns that Hungary might block the sanctions' renewal, threatening the EU's effectiveness against Russia.
On January 26, Orbán associated his stance against the sanctions with a gas transit dispute, as Ukraine recently stopped Russian gas flow through Hungary, causing anger in Hungary and Slovakia.
He has urged the EU to support Hungary's energy needs, linking the gas issue to the sanctions debate.
Although Hungary has previously used its veto power for concessions, diplomats worry that this time the veto threat might disrupt EU cohesion on sanctions.
However, many anticipate that Hungary will ultimately relent if the EU provides additional energy support, allowing the sanctions renewal to advance.
The sanctions issue is part of wider EU discussions, including a new set of measures slated for approval by late February, commemorating the third anniversary of Russia's invasion.
With continued tensions and Hungary's maneuvers sparking concern, EU officials are preparing for a pivotal meeting of foreign affairs ministers on January 29.
The EU sanctions, initially introduced in February 2022 in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, cover trade, energy, finance, and asset bans.
These measures need unanimous renewal from all member states every six months, with the next deadline on January 31. Orbán and his ministers have critiqued the sanctions, advocating for the EU to reassess its position in light of changing geopolitical circumstances, especially after US President Donald Trump's inauguration and his calls for talks with Russia.
Orbán's statements have raised concerns that Hungary might block the sanctions' renewal, threatening the EU's effectiveness against Russia.
On January 26, Orbán associated his stance against the sanctions with a gas transit dispute, as Ukraine recently stopped Russian gas flow through Hungary, causing anger in Hungary and Slovakia.
He has urged the EU to support Hungary's energy needs, linking the gas issue to the sanctions debate.
Although Hungary has previously used its veto power for concessions, diplomats worry that this time the veto threat might disrupt EU cohesion on sanctions.
However, many anticipate that Hungary will ultimately relent if the EU provides additional energy support, allowing the sanctions renewal to advance.
The sanctions issue is part of wider EU discussions, including a new set of measures slated for approval by late February, commemorating the third anniversary of Russia's invasion.
With continued tensions and Hungary's maneuvers sparking concern, EU officials are preparing for a pivotal meeting of foreign affairs ministers on January 29.
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