The European Parliament proposes an embargo without Hungary/Getty Images
The EU still cannot impose an oil embargo against Russia, because this decision must be supported by all member countries. However, Hungary is opposed, so the European Parliament proposed to impose restrictions without its consent.
Hungary wants to receive 15-18 billion euros for its consent. This money is allegedly needed by the country to rebuild on another oil.
The European Parliament called for an oil embargo against Russia without Hungary
Vice-President of the European Parliament Katarina Barli called Hungary's demand for billions in aid in exchange for giving up Russian oil “almost impudent.” According to her, everyone knows where the money will go. Barley noted that there are 4 countries that are particularly affected by a possible oil embargo. And they are all together with the EU trying to find a solution.
Only Hungary is using this for its political games, as well as extra money for itself, as this reconstruction fund has so far been blocked due to a lack of rule of law. The money supposedly should go to Hungary in a different way, and first of all – into the channels of the Orban family and clan, – said the vice-president of the European Parliament.
She added that the EU sees the difficulties that arise in countries that are especially dependent on Russian energy resources . This is partly due to being landlocked, so it is not easy for them to get supplies by ship.
“We see this and are ready to help. After all, 3 countries are ready to cooperate, but only one does not want”, added Barley.
According to her, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban “leads the EU by the nose.” Barley added that the EU is aware of the blatantly corrupt system that exists in Hungary.
“The Minister of Foreign Affairs (Hungary – Channel 24) says to prepare the infrastructure in Hungary so that later it will be possible to do without Russian oil , is worth between 15 and 18 billion euros. It would be interesting to know how he came up with this bill,” said Barley.
She also recalled that tenders in the country are often won by Orban's school friend, oligarch Lorenz Meszaros. Therefore, with a high probability, if the EU allocates this money, he or the son-in-law of the Hungarian prime minister will also undertake to “restore infrastructure”.
Barley concluded that an embargo against Russian oil can be introduced without Hungary. However, then the other 26 EU member states will have to vote for this decision.
Briefly about the sixth EU sanctions against Russia
- Currently, there is a fight over the sixth EU sanctions. Its adoption is delayed due to the position of several countries most dependent on the supply of Russian oil.
- The EU proposed to grant them a delay in the search for new suppliers – the Czech Republic could launch an embargo from July 2024, Hungary and Slovakia – from 2025 year.
- However, for Hungary, this proposal did not seem profitable enough. In exchange for agreeing to an oil embargo against Russia, Budapest is demanding billions of euros in EU assistance.
- Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijarto estimated the rejection of Russian oil at 15-18 billion euros.
