Hungary Raises Concerns in EU Sanctions Renewal Process
Hungary is seeking to negotiate the removal of eight individuals from the European Union's Russia sanctions list. EU diplomats indicate that Hungary also wants assurances regarding Ukraine gas transit talks before agreeing to extend the sanctions.
Framework of Russia Sanctions
The EU sanctions on Russia, implemented due to Moscow's aggression against Ukraine, require unanimous agreement for a six-month renewal. Hungary has utilized these renewals for bargaining.
The Russia sanctions comprise economic measures and restrictions on over 2,400 individuals and entities, enforcing asset freezes and travel bans.
Hungary's Concerns
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto expressed concerns over the extension of individual sanctions. The identities of the individuals Hungary wishes to remove remain confidential.
Hungary maintains close relations with Moscow and previously delayed the renewal of economic sanctions in January. The delay was resolved upon Hungary's inclusion in talks on resuming gas transit to the EU through Ukraine.
Gas Transit Issues
Russian gas supplies via Ukraine ceased on January 1 when Ukraine's transit contract with Gazprom expired.
Szijjarto alleges that the European Commission has not honored its commitment to include Hungary in discussions, citing a meeting between Slovakia and Ukraine that Hungary was excluded from.
The Commission intends to include Hungary in these discussions, a Commission spokesperson stated.
