Orban's office did not support auto-renewal of EU sanctions against Russia

Hungary believes that the European Union (EU) should not automatically extend sanctions against Russia, as this issue requires discussions. This was stated by the head of the Hungarian Prime Minister's Office, Gergay Guillasz, on January 23.

"Until now, everyone has seen the extension of sanctions as an automatic procedure. We think that now it should not happen automatically," he said at a briefing broadcast by the M1 TV channel.

Now Budapest suggests other European countries to evaluate the measure taking into account the entry into office of the new US President Donald Trump, Guillas said.

In a close fight: Hungary and Slovakia seek ways to counter EU sanctions

Will Bratislava and Budapest be able to relax anti-Russian restrictive measures?

The day before, Bloomberg news agency reported, citing sources in diplomatic circles, that the EU has no "plan B" on the issue of extending sanctions against Russia if Hungary continues to refuse to support them. In the absence of an agreement, the problem will be considered by foreign ministers in Brussels on January 27.

Earlier, on January 21, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban called on the EU to reconsider the policy of sanctions against Russia. According to him, the restrictions have not achieved their goals and have only led to the destruction of the competitiveness of the European economy.

Brussels' anti-Russian sanctions were last extended in July 2024. They expire on January 31, 2025. Brussels has confirmed that it is working on an attempt for another extension.

Western countries increased sanctions pressure on Russia after the start of the special operation to protect civilians in Donbass, which was announced on February 24, 2022.