EU expects new package of sanctions against Russia to be approved this week
Photo: The EU plans to agree on new sanctions against Russia this week (Getty Images)
EU countries may approve the 18th package of sanctions against Russia as early as this week. The bloc hopes to reach an agreement on the issue with Hungary and Slovakia, states Polish Minister for EU Affairs Ignacy Niemczycki, according to Reuters.
"We are waiting for the outcome of Thursday’s summit, and I believe that the conversation after Thursday will be much easier. We remain optimistic," said Niemczycki, referring to the European Council meeting taking place on Thursday and Friday in Brussels.
At the same time, an unnamed EU diplomat told the outlet that Slovakia and Hungary want "different treatment for landlocked countries."
"Hungary is not a problem. If Slovakia lets it go, so will Hungary," another Reuters source said.
Hungary’s and Slovakia’s position on the sanctions
On Monday, June 23, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated that his country and Slovakia have blocked the adoption of the 18th package of sanctions against Russia.
He complained that this decision was made due to the European Union’s intention to completely phase out Russian gas and oil by 2027.
At the same time, Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár said on June 24 that his country could support the new sanctions if there are "guarantees" that such restrictions will not harm the Slovak economy.
