Von der Leyen spoke about the meeting with Orban/Channel 24 collage
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. She went to Budapest to convince the country to change its position on the oil embargo.
According to von der Leyen, an evening discussion with Orban helped clarify issues related to sanctions and energy security.
There is progress
The President of the European Commission noted that progress has been made in the negotiations, although she acknowledged that further work is needed.
The policy did not add that it creates a risky investment fund with regional players to strengthen cooperation in the field of oil infrastructure.
Hungary's position
- Official Budapest will block EU sanctions against Russia. The fact is that on May 4, the European Commission prepared a draft 6 package of sanctions. However, they must be supported by all EU members.
- Among the restrictions proposed is an embargo on Russian oil. In addition, they want to disconnect the Russian Sberbank from the SWIFT system. This will seriously weaken the economy of the aggressor. The head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, said that the countries of the European Union almost came to an agreement on this package of sanctions. Hungary will interfere.
- Thus, Orban called the new package of sanctions against Russia a “historical mistake” . He is convinced that neither Hungary nor the EU is ready to give up Russian gas, oil and coal.
- Europe is trying in every possible way to convince Budapest to change its mind. For example, on May 8, a meeting of EU ambassadors took place. However, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said that his country would not change its position on the oil embargo from Russia.
Hungary could have known about Putin's plans
NSDC Secretary Alexei Danilov May 2 said that Hungary knew in advance about Putin's plans to start a full-scale war in Ukraine. Moreover, the country allegedly intended to take part of the territories for itself.
The Hungarian embassy rejected this. They said that these allegations contain false and unsubstantiated accusations. They also incite hatred against the Hungarian people in Ukrainian society. Finally, they asked for an explanation.
