8 Dec 2022 14:16

Hungary objects to new package of EU sanctions on Russia

BRUSSELS. Dec 8 (Interfax) - Hungary has objected to a new package of anti-Russian sanctions at a meeting of representatives of EU member states, The Financial Times said on Thursday with a reference to its sources.

According to the newspaper, Hungary, which blocked the 18-billion-euro assistance package for Ukraine on Tuesday, raised objections to the new package of sanctions against Russia at a meeting of representatives of EU member states.

The EU imposes sanctions unanimously, which allows any country to block such initiatives. The Financial Times did not say what exactly caused Budapest's dissatisfaction.

The newspaper also said that Hungary objected the proposal of doubling the EU facility providing Ukraine and other countries with weapons.

A number of European diplomats described these actions by Hungary as quite predictable. In their opinion, Budapest may keep blocking many key decisions in the European Union that require unanimous approval.

As reported earlier, the European Commission had proposed the ninth package of sanctions against Russia to envisage a ban on transactions with three Russian banks and some other measures.

The executive body of the European Union proposes sanctions on about 200 more persons and legal entities, including the Russian military, State Duma deputies, Federation Council members, ministers, governors, political parties and defense plants. In addition, it wants to ban transactions with three Russian banks, including the Russian Regional Development Bank, and broadcasts by Russian media outlets.

The European Commission proposes that additional economic restrictions be imposed, including those targeting Russian energy and mining sectors, including a ban on new investment in the Russian mining industry.

The proposals from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen envisage a ban on exports of unmanned aerial vehicles to Russia. The European Commission also seeks additional export restrictions, including those on dual-use goods, such as major chemicals, electronic products, and IT components.

The Financial Times said on Wednesday with the reference to its sources that the European Union was hoping to discuss the new package of sanctions in the coming days and to approve it by the end of next week.