Hungary Withdraws Veto on EU Sanctions Against Russia

Mon 27th Jan, 2025

In a significant development regarding European Union (EU) foreign policy, Hungary has rescinded its veto against the extension of sanctions imposed on Russia, which were set to expire at the end of January. Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government had previously stalled the decision for several weeks, raising concerns among EU member states about Hungary's commitment to collective action against Russian aggression.

The agreement to continue the sanctions was reached during a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, where Hungary's representatives expressed their approval after receiving assurances related to energy security. The EU Commission, along with High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas, addressed Hungary's concerns, promising to consider the nation's energy needs in the context of ongoing sanctions.

Hungary's initial opposition was predicated on the expectation that Ukraine would reopen a crucial pipeline that previously transported Russian natural gas to Central Europe, including Hungary. This pipeline closure had raised alarms in Budapest regarding its energy supply stability. Péter Szijjarto, Hungary's Foreign Minister, confirmed that the government had secured necessary guarantees regarding energy security from the EU Commission, which has committed to safeguarding oil and gas supplies to member states.

For several weeks, Orban had maintained his blockade against the sanctions extension, which had already been anticipated in the previous year. His announcement at the EU summit just before Christmas indicated a need for further contemplation, particularly in light of the impending inauguration of the newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump. Orban had previously suggested that Trump's administration could potentially bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine, thereby altering the rationale for the sanctions.

Hungary's energy security concerns remain paramount, particularly in the context of the sanctions that impact not only extensive economic and financial activities but also target over 2,000 individuals and entities, including prominent Russian politicians and oligarchs. The sanctions are a primary tool for the EU to exert pressure on Russia in response to its actions in Ukraine.

Had Hungary not agreed to the extension, the sanctions would have lapsed on January 31, significantly affecting the EU's stance against Russian activities. The decision to lift the veto illustrates the ongoing complexities within the EU regarding collective foreign policy strategies and the balancing act between national interests and broader geopolitical considerations.


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