Hungary supports the early lifting of economic sanctions against Russia and opposes the European Commission's (EC) plans to ban imports of energy raw materials from Russia, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said.
Orbán stressed that he was against the Brussels initiative, which he said would lead to a sharp rise in oil, gas and electricity prices and "will simply destroy the Hungarian economy".
"Just imagine that energy prices for households and businesses will simply double. Hungarian families would not be able to bear it," said the Hungarian Prime Minister at a conference of the presidents of the European Parliament in the Hungarian capital Budapest.
Orbán stressed that this is why Hungary supports a quick solution to the conflict in Ukraine.
"Hungarians want peace and would like to abandon the policy of economic sanctions (against Russia) by Brussels as soon as possible," He added.
The Hungarian authorities have consistently spoken out against the EU's sanctions policy. They argue that these measures have not made Russia change its position, but on the contrary have damaged their own European economy.
Budapest has secured exemptions from several sanctions against Russia, especially those related to oil and gas. However, Hungary voted overwhelmingly in favour of the restrictions, citing compliance with its allies.
Earlier this month, the European Commission unveiled plans for a complete phase-out of Russian gas. The plan outlines a ban on new Russian gas contracts and spot market purchases until the end of 2025.
The EC also wants to end imports of Russian pipeline gas and LNG under existing agreements by the end of 2027. Final binding proposals will be submitted to the EC in June.
TASS/gnews.cz - cik
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