Hungary’s Foreign Minister, Peter Szijjarto, has stated that Hungary will veto the European Union’s proposed 12th sanctions package if it includes the gas, oil, and nuclear energy sectors of the Russian economy. Szijjarto emphasized that these sectors are a “red line” for Hungary. He argued that Russia has not harmed Hungary and that the country actually provided access to vaccines that saved Hungarian lives.
The 12th sanctions package, announced on October 27, aims to further restrict Russia’s ability to circumvent previous sanctions and introduces new restrictions on Russia’s diamond exports. The passage of this package requires a unanimous decision among EU member states.
Hungary has consistently opposed sanctions on Russia and has maintained close relations with the country despite the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. While Hungary has ultimately voted for previous sanctions packages, it has often sought concessions or exceptions.
In addition to Szijjarto’s statements, Hungary’s actions include delaying the ratification of new NATO members Finland and Sweden. Hungary ratified Finland’s accession to the alliance nine months after the initial application. Even after Turkey, the other remaining holdout, agreed to move forward with Sweden’s accession, Hungary’s stance remained unchanged.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban had previously stated that Hungary was in no rush to ratify Sweden’s NATO membership. These actions reflect Hungary’s distinct approach to international relations and its stance on sanctions against Russia.
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