The leaders of the 27 European Union member states, meeting at the summit in Brussels, have given the green light to extend for six months the sanctions imposed on Russia, diplomatic sources informed the French Press Agency.
Since the Russian armed forces invaded Ukrainian territory on February 24, 2022, the EU has adopted 17 sanction packages against Russia. However, these sanctions must be unanimously renewed every six months by all 27 member states. Hungary, maintaining the closest relations with Russia among EU countries, has often threatened to oppose the renewal.
In January, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán maintained suspense until the last moment before ultimately giving the green light to extend the sanctions.
Yesterday, EU leaders also discussed the 18th package of sanctions, proposed by the European Commission two weeks ago. However, no decision was reached due to a veto exercised this time by Slovakia.
The ongoing debates reflect the complexities within the Union as member states balance political and economic interests amid the continuing conflict in Ukraine.
Source: ANA-MPA/ Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
