Politico: Hungary's stance could stall EU's 20th Russia sanctions package

Hungary's position on Russian sports officials could delay the adoption of the EU's next sanctions package against Moscow.

Source: Politico, a Brussels-based politics and policy news organisation, citing sources, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Overall, the EU is close to finalising its 20th package of sanctions against Russia, with a deal expected after two more Coreper II ambassador meetings, three diplomats told Politico.

Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, is pressing hard to have the sanctions package ready by 24 February, the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The ambassadors are expected to meet again on Wednesday and possibly Friday, the diplomats said.

Kallas is also coordinating with the UK to ensure the sanctions are as effective as possible.

On Monday, the ambassadors received a report from EU Sanctions Envoy David O'Sullivan, who has been working with third countries to close loopholes that enable Russia to keep its oil tankers operating on the high seas.

However, two other diplomats told Politico that Hungary is insisting that some senior Russian sports officials should be removed from the sanctions list, and this could delay the adoption of the package.

Background:

• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen discussed Russia sanctions and EU-US coordination on sanctions with a bipartisan US delegation on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, European Pravda has reported.
• Greece and Malta have emerged as the main obstacle to an EU proposal to replace the price cap on Russian oil with a ban on Russian oil transportation services.

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