Hungary blocked the adoption of the new 13th package of EU sanctions against Russia. This time the reason was China.
The Financial Times newspaper reported this, citing the words of European officials.
At a meeting on Wednesday, February 14, Budapest was the only one who did not support this package of sanctions aimed at almost 200 people and organizations from Russia , China and other countries that help the Russian Federation in military operations.
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— The Hungarians did not agree because of Chinese companies, — said one of the officials.
Another official briefed on the talks diplomatically described them as a “very fruitful exchange”. According to him, the Hungarian ambassador asked for a little more time to analyze the content of the proposals.
The new package of sanctions includes, in particular, restrictions against three Chinese companies and one in India. If approved, it will be the first time that a business in mainland China and India will be subject to EU sanctions.
Discussions will continue and member ministers are likely to raise the issue at a meeting next week, officials said. Supporters of the sanctions package hope to reach an agreement by next Wednesday to meet the second anniversary of the full-scale invasion on February 24.
At the same time, at the same meeting, ambassadors finally agreed on the legal texts needed to launch the €50 billion support package for Ukraine that was agreed by EU leaders two weeks ago after Orban's decision to lift the veto. After that, it must be approved by the European Parliament, and funds will begin to arrive early next month.
