EU debates new Russia sanctions as Hungary's stance raises concerns
During the meeting of the EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg, there was a discussion about imposing further sanctions on Russia. Radosław Sikorski emphasised that Hungary could pose an obstacle in this matter.
What do you need to know?
- Meeting in Luxembourg: The foreign ministers of EU countries convened to discuss the possibility of imposing new sanctions on Russia in response to its recent attacks on Ukraine.
- Hungary as an obstacle: Radosław Sikorski highlighted the potential for Hungary to block the decision on sanctions.
- Appeal to Hungary: Sikorski urged Hungary to withdraw its veto on activating funds from the European Peace Facility and to agree to engage in negotiations with Ukraine.
What sanctions is the EU considering?
During the meeting in Luxembourg, the foreign ministers of EU countries discussed the necessity of imposing further sanctions on Russia. Radosław Sikorski, the head of Polish diplomacy, stressed that representatives of various countries extensively discussed the topic. "But we know we have one country, Hungary, which does not have the moral clarity we have, thanks to such attacks by Putin," Sikorski noted, referring to differing approaches to the situation in Ukraine.
Will Hungary change its stance?
Sikorski pointed out the challenges in convincing Hungary to alter its stance. "But it's like talking to a brick wall," he admitted, describing his appeals to Budapest to withdraw the veto on activating funds from the European Peace Facility.
Additionally, Poland is requesting Hungary’s consent to open the first cluster of EU negotiations with Ukraine, which also faces resistance. While most EU countries agree on the need for new sanctions on Russia, they remain powerless against the opposition of a few.
