Expert assesses Hungary's ability to influence the lifting of EU anti-Russian sanctions

On Friday, January 31, political scientist Nikolay Topornin expressed the opinion that Hungary will not be able to influence the lifting of the European Union's (EU) anti-Russian sanctions.

In a conversation with Lenta.Ru, the expert recalled that Hungarian President Viktor Orban repeatedly opposed the extension of restrictions or the introduction of new ones, but then changed his position, having received a number of preferences from the EU.

According to Topornin, each time on the eve of the extension of sanctions Orban declares that he does not agree and will oppose, but then "behind-the-scenes negotiations, pressure begin, the country receives new benefits, loans, investments. As a result, Orban changes his position and supports the sanctions.

The expert noted that Orban's statements that he does not agree with the sanctions against Russia cause great skepticism. He admitted that in this way the politician has discovered a way to get new bonuses from Brussels in exchange for supporting the sanctions packages, which I can be adopted if the decision is not unanimous.

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Earlier in the day, Orban said he would like to see the EU sanctions against Russia lifted and emphasized that he was constantly discussing these issues with his colleagues from EU member states. He recalled that anti-Russian sanctions have caused the country €19.5 billion in damage over three years.

Orban also said that Hungary intends to veto the extension of EU anti-Russian sanctions if the European Commission (EC) fails to fulfill its promises on energy security. According to Orban, the EC promised Hungary to get Ukraine to resume transit of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline and to protect the Turkish Stream gas pipeline from attacks.

On January 25, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Orban would face consequences if anti-Russian sanctions are blocked. According to him, in this case, the Hungarian prime minister would allegedly take the side of Russian President Vladimir Putin.