There is an agreement between EU abroad ministers to extend economical sanctions to Russia. According to the media, citing EU sources, Hungary agreed to retreat its veto. In return, they were to be assured by the EC of further negotiations with Ukraine on gas transit through the country.
EU abroad ministers reached an agreement on Monday extension of economical sanctions on Russia, related to force against Ukraine. The current restrictions apply only by Friday. For a long time, they refused to accept Hungary.
Hungary withdraws the veto. EU will extend sanctions on Russia
According to PAP, citing EU sources, in exchange for withdrawing veto, Budapest was to receive assurances that The European Commission will proceed negotiations with Ukraine on transit of Russian gas through this country. Slovakia is besides to be concerned.
However, before the Common Position was reached, a gathering of EU associate State ambassadors took place on Monday morning before the ministerial meeting.
SEE: Viktor Orban wants to abolish EU sanctions on Russia
Head of the Hungarian MFA Peter Szijjarto stated before the ministerial gathering that it was awaiting authoritative guarantees from the EC on safety of gas supply. Ukraine decided to non-extension of the Russian gas transit agreementwhich expired at the end of the year.
Orban puts an ultimatum on gas. Exchange of views on the Tusk-Szijjarto line
Budapest has so far blocked the extension of economical sanctions imposed on Russia in connection with the war in Ukraine, indicating as a reason for the change of power in the US. After swearing in Donald Trump for president of the United States, Hungary began to request guarantees regarding the transit of gas through Ukraine.
In consequence to the position Viktor OrbanPrime Minister Donald Tusk published an entry on social media on Saturday.
"If Viktor Orban truly blocks European sanctions at a crucial minute of war, it will be absolutely clear that in this large game of safety and the future of Europe plays on the Putin teamNot ours. With all the consequences of this fact," he wrote.
After a fewer hours the head of the Polish government responded to the Shijjarto, who assured that the government of Orban "represents Hungarian interests".
"We do not want to proceed paying the price for another people's wars and we will not let anyone endanger our safety of energy supply," he said.
