Hungary Drops Veto on EU Sanctions Against Russia

brussels - Hungary agrees to lift veto on EU sanctions, maintaining measures against Russia. Diplomatic tension eases in Brussels.

EU Sanctions Against Russia

Since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, the EU imposed sanctions on over 2,400 individuals and entities. Sanctions require unanimous renewal every six months, often blocked by Hungary.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán initially vetoed the sanctions this week, causing tension in Brussels. Eventually, Hungary agreed to extend sanctions after removing four Russian individuals from the list, three favored by Budapest.

Brussels welcomed Hungary's decision, relieved by the change in stance. The reasons behind Orbán's shift remain unclear, given his past pro-Kremlin remarks.