BRUSSELS – Hungary removed its veto on the EU’s six-month extension of Russia sanctions on Monday, but it may not be its last standoff.
The deal was struck after the EU agreed to issue a joint, non-binding statement by top diplomat Kaja Kallas and the European Commission to support Hungary’s energy security at Monday’s meeting of foreign ministers.
Budapest had stalled the EU’s sanctions roll-over for weeks, demanding Brussels pressure Ukraine to resume suspended gas transit from Russia to Europe.
According to the statement seen by Euractiv, the EU promised to continue discussions with Ukraine on the supply to Europe through its gas pipeline system.
“In that context, the Commission is ready to associate Hungary in the process (along with Slovakia),” it stated.
In return, Budapest backed the sanction extension, people familiar with the matter told Euractiv.
“Hungary has received the guarantees it has asked for on the energy security of our country,” Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said in a social media post.
EU diplomats said it was merely a tool to cater to Hungary’s domestic audience.
They also added that while the bloc “dodged the bullet” this time around, they expect Hungary to use the same playbook in six months when the sanctions regime will be up again for prolongation.
Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has repeatedly delayed previous EU decisions on Russia sanctions, as well as Ukraine aid, before ultimately approving them.
Budapest has counted on US President Donald Trump to return to office in the hope of recalibrating the West’s stance towards Russia.
But Trump has recently warned he would impose further sanctions on Russia if Moscow failed to end its war in Ukraine.
Monday’s sanction deal also comes after Szijjártó held a phone call with new US Secretary of State Marco Rubio the night before.
Szijjártó said last week that Hungary would consult the Trump administration before deciding whether to agree to renew EU sanctions against Russia.
(MM)”
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