EU countries are seeking to resume discussions on new anti-Russian sanctions in January. That’s when Hungary, Moscow’s closest ally in the EU, will be forced to hand over control of political discussions as its presidency of the EU Council ends.
Politico writes about this, Babel reports.
In January, the presidency will be taken over by Poland, one of Ukraine’s strongest supporters. Warsaw has already made it clear that it wants to use its six-month presidency to tighten control over Russian fuel entering the continent, which remains a critical source of revenue for the Kremlin.
According to a number of diplomats and officials, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has used his country’s presidency to effectively stop talk of sanctions. Now Poland is expected to put the issue back on the agenda.
We hope that all the issues that have become hostage to Hungary’s unconstructive blockade will be resolved with the necessary sense of urgency, – the source said.
Another diplomat said that there is a growing realization that the focus of sanctions needs to be clarified.
We have to recognize that the sanctions regime is not working as it should – there are problems with liquefied natural gas, there are problems with oil, there are problems with certain trade goods, – the diplomat said.
For the new package to take effect, the European Commission must first propose measures to the 27 member states of the bloc.
First of all, we need a proposal from the Commission. We can’t blame Hungary if we have nothing to talk about, – added the third interlocutor.
It is worth recalling that on July 1, Hungary began its six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union.
