While European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen on Wednesday presented the draft of a sixth sanctions package against Russia, which includes an embargo on Russian oil imports, Hungary is blocking negotiations. Prime Minister Viktor Orban even toughened his tone on Friday.
It gets stuck in Brussels. While European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen on Wednesday presented the draft of a sixth sanctions package against Russia, which includes an embargo on Russian oil imports, Hungary is blocking negotiations. Indeed, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban even toughened his tone on Friday. He believes that the plan to ban imports of Russian oil by the end of the year “undermines” the unity of the European Union. A first version of the text provided that Hungary and Slovakia – two countries very dependent on Russian oil – could continue their imports until the end of 2023.
Too short a time, believes Viktor Orban. The text has therefore been rewritten and the derogation extended for one year. In addition, countries like the Czech Republic are also asking to be able to benefit from it.
Without agreement, an extraordinary meeting will be convened
Behind the scenes, the discussions are tense confides a European diplomat. Discussions that will continue this weekend.
If no agreement is reached by Sunday, then an extraordinary meeting of foreign ministers will be convened to try to unblock the situation. A necessity in order to put in place as quickly as possible this new sanction package intended to dry up the financing of the war led by Russia in Ukraine.