BRUSSELS - The governments of Hungary and Slovakia are trying to delay the adoption of the EU's 19th package of sanctions against Russia in order to secure benefits in line with their economic interests, according to EUObserver.
According to the portal, Hungary is seeking an exemption from the European Commission's proposed total ban on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG). However, unlike in previous cases, Budapest will not formally threaten a veto.
The reason is that US President Donald Trump, considered an ally of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, supports a complete ban on Russian LNG purchases by the EU. Budapest is therefore going to consult with other EU leaders on the specific points of a possible embargo.
According to the EUObserver, Slovakia intends to combine the adoption of the sanctions package with a relaxation of the planned ban (from 2035) on the production of cars with internal combustion engines in the EU. The country is a per capita leader in this sector of the automotive industry thanks to the production of Volkswagen, Kia, Jaguar Land Rover and Peugeot. Prime Minister Robert Fico could raise the issue at the upcoming EU leaders' summit on 23 October.
According to European diplomats interviewed by the portal, Fico can get limited concessions without necessarily hindering the adoption of another sanctions package.
According to EUObserver, EU ambassadors will meet in Brussels on 8 October to try to overcome the veto threat and discuss possible compromises for Hungary and Slovakia.
The third sticking point is Austria, where the Raiffeisen banking group is seeking to release part of the assets of Russian businessman Oleg Deripaska as compensation for losses caused by the Russian court ruling. The portal's sources report that Vienna has already drafted a plan to do so.
The Czech Republic, Poland and the Nordic and Baltic states opposed the proposal. France and Germany have not yet taken a clear position. As one diplomat said, their opinion will be crucial for the final decision.
In August, the European Commission promised to present the 19th sanctions package in September.
TASS/gnews.cz - GH
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