The European Parliament has called for an oil embargo against Russia without Hungary’s consent
The European Parliament may consider an oil embargo against Russia without Hungary’s involvement despite its protests. This was stated in an interview with Deutschlandfunk by Vice-President of the European Parliament Katarina Barley.
She called for a decision on the planned EU oil embargo against Russia without the participation of Hungary. According to Barley, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is “leading the EU by the nose” and demanding billions for his country’s approval of the oil embargo.
– During his election campaign in Hungary, he allowed the state media to run propaganda for Putin all day long. I don’t see how he will agree to a deal if he doesn’t get a lot of money. And the European Union has to decide whether to give it to him,” Barley said.
She noted that Orban’s position is primarily a “performance for the inner audience.”
– It is intolerable that Western European politicians still receive money from Putin.
The Vice-president of the European Parliament called Orban’s behavior “a hint that this government intends to do further” and that he will not limit himself to opposing sanctions against Russia.
Barley said that in addition to Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Bulgaria would inevitably suffer losses from the oil embargo. Still, the three countries act in the common interest of the European Union, and “only Hungary is using the situation for its political purposes”.
Hungary does not agree to support the oil embargo in the sixth EU sanctions package even except for itself and Slovakia and the Czech Republic, which are also very dependent on Russian oil.
Victor Orban explained his country’s refusal to support the oil embargo by losing access to the sea 100 years ago after the Trianon Peace Treaty in 1920.
Source: Deutschlandfunk
