Hungary has so far blocked the decision of EU countries to impose the embargo, even though it had the promise of a 32-month transition period. They explained that this did not guarantee energy security and that the sanctions would be too costly.
“The evening conversation with Prime Minister Viktor Orban was helpful to clarify the issues related to sanctions and energy security. We have made progress, but more work is needed,” the President of the Commission wrote on Twitter.
She also announced that she would organize a videoconference on strengthening regional cooperation on oil infrastructure.
There is still no agreement in the EU on further sanctions against Russia
Still no agreement in the European Union on further sanctions against Russia. The Sunday meeting of the ambassadors of the member states in Brussels lasted less than two hours.
The sixth package concerns primarily the introduction of an embargo on Russian oil imports, which is expected to enter into force by the end of the year. Several countries (including Hungary and Slovakia), however, want to buy oil longer, which is one of the controversial issues.
Representatives of the European Commission and of France, which manages the work of the Union, emphasized in a short comment sent to the Brussels correspondents that the talks had progressed in recent days, but that additional consultations were still needed in a spirit of solidarity. It is about guarantees regarding the conditions of oil supply to countries which – as it has been written – are in a special situation when it comes to import via pipelines from Russia.
No country has been mentioned by name, but it is known that it is primarily Hungary, which does not want to agree to the proposals that they could buy oil from Russia until the end of 2024, and they demand that this period be at least a year longer. Slovakia was also initially dissatisfied, but now seems to accept 2024. The Czech Republic, in turn, is expected to apply the exemption by mid-2024.
Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs: Hungary will not support the new sanctions proposed by the European Commission
As the head of Hungarian diplomacy Peter Szijjarto announced on Monday in parliament: “Hungary will not support the new sanctions against Russia proposed by the European Commission, as they would mean [dla nich – red.] the problem and the proposal does not contain a solution. “
The minister added that Hungary could not be charged with the costs of sanctions imposed on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. He noted that his country had supported the previous five EU sanctions packages.
Source: Gazeta
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