EUobserver reports on possible postponement of the 19th package of sanctions against Russia

Hungary and Slovakia are counting on postponing the adoption of the 19th package of European Union (EU) sanctions against Russia, while both countries hope to achieve concessions affecting their economic interests, the EUobserver portal reports, citing EU diplomats.

Hungary, in particular, plans to seek exceptions from the proposed European Commission (EC) total ban on the import of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG), reports TASS. At the same time, Budapest will not officially threaten a veto, as it did earlier, but intends to consult with other EU countries on possible concessions on this issue.

Slovakia, in turn, intends to link the adoption of sanctions with changes in the issue of the ban on the production of cars with internal combustion engines, which is due to enter into force by 2035. The republic plans to discuss these issues at a meeting of EU leaders on October 23.

United and transparent: Hungary and Slovakia want to be deprived of the right of veto on the issue of sanctions

But this is impossible without changing the basic laws of the EU, the European Parliament says.

On August 29, the head of European diplomacy, Kaya Kallas, called on EU countries to impose secondary sanctions against oil supplies from Russia, which will be similar to restrictions imposed by the United States. On September 12, it was reported that the European Union was finalizing the 19th package of sanctions against Russia. According to Callas, additional measures will be considered regarding the supply of Russian oil, tankers of the "shadow" fleet and banks.

Vladimir Demidov, an independent expert on the resources and energy market, told Izvestia on September 25 that Hungary and Slovakia will face serious challenges after the European Commission imposes customs duties on oil from Russia, since more than 30% of their supplies come from this country.

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