Hungary’s criticism of the restrictions would reportedly make it impossible to agree on a new package in the near term
The EU will likely have a hard time agreeing on its next sanctions package targeting Russia due to constant pushback from Hungary, Euractiv reported on Thursday citing diplomatic sources.
In its 14th package of restrictions passed last month, the EU blacklisted 116 more Russian individuals and entities, as well as the shipping of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) and the country’s payments system. According to diplomats, it has become extremely difficult for member-states to make decisions on what to sanction, especially after Hungary took over the six-month rotating presidency of the EU Council, which defines the bloc’s political direction and priorities.
Hungary has long been at odds with the EU over its approach to the Ukraine conflict and its sanctions policy towards Russia. Tensions increased further last month, after Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban went on what he called a Ukraine ‘peace mission’, which included meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Many EU officials disavowed his actions as undermining the West’s efforts to present a united front against Moscow.
Budapest and Brussels are also at odds over the former’s decision to ease visa rules for Russians and Belarusians, a move which many in the bloc condemned as threatening European security. Furthermore, the European Commission last month drew the ire of Hungary by stalling a request for mediation with Kiev over its suspension of oil transit from Russia. In response, Budapest threatened to block funds the EU has earmarked for Ukraine until Kiev resumes the transit.
According to Euractiv sources, disagreements involving Hungary will continue to impact decision-making in the bloc, making it unlikely that members will be able to agree on a 15th round of Russia sanctions in the next several months. The European Commission, which typically comes up with proposals for new restrictions, will reportedly be unwilling to risk another fight with Budapest. The sources said, however, that things could change depending on the situation on the ground in Ukraine. According to the diplomats, an escalation may force Brussels to introduce new sanctions, which it still sees as an effective deterrent.
Moscow has long criticized the measures targeting its economy and trade, while many experts in both Russia and the West have noted that unilateral sanctions bring more harm to countries that introduce them than to Russia itself.
