© Reuters Eighth round of EU sanctions against Russia underway
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Financial Associated Press, September 24 (publisher Niu Zhanlin) According to the media, as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine intensifies further, some “hawkish” EU member states are pushing for tougher sanctions against Russia. Currently, the EU is trying to reach an agreement to limit the price of Russian oil.
Poland, Ireland and three Baltic states want the EU to extend energy sanctions to Russia, including a ban on imports of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) products and restrictions on nuclear energy cooperation, according to a document seen by people who they are familiar with the matter.
Other proposals include the exclusion of more Russian banks from the SWIFT payment system, the tightening of restrictions on the export of technology products, the approval of more Russian propaganda agencies, and a ban on the import of Russian diamonds. The EU is currently working on the eighth round of sanctions against Russia following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
One of the goals of the sanctions should be the removal of Gazprombank from SWIFT. So far, the Russian bank has been spared most of the EU sanctions because European companies use it to pay for gas delivery.
The measures will also affect Russia’s luxury goods and information technology, cyber security and software industries, the report said.
internal disagreement
But officials said it was difficult for the 27 EU member states to reach a consensus. Hungary has stated that it does not want a new round of sanctions against Russia.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said at an internal meeting of the ruling coalition this week that the EU should lift sanctions on Russia. Orban said EU sanctions against Russia were the cause of rising gas prices and inflation. If the sanctions were lifted, gas prices would immediately drop by 50% and inflation would ease.
Orban said that without sanctions, Europe could regain its strength and avoid a looming recession. Orban also reiterated his previous position that sanctions would harm Europe more than Russia.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Sijardo said Thursday that Hungary makes no sense to seek a new round of sanctions against Russia. “Our position is very clear. We believe that there is no legitimate reason to seek a new round of sanctions against Russia, especially on energy. For us this is a red line. We do not want to force the Hungarian people to pay for it. the war, Hungary Don’t get involved in any way. “
Scijardo stressed that, of course, if there is a plan, we will participate in the discussion, but we will never allow anything that goes against the interests of our people.
Cijardo commented that the European economy is heading into recession, which I believe is completely against the interests of Europe and its people. We want peace as soon as possible and, in our interest, work so that everything can be resolved.
The application of the above sanctions will have a significant negative impact on Hungary’s development. Currently, Hungary is collaborating with Russia State Atomic Energy Corporation to build a nuclear power plant and, at the same time, it is also increasing the import of natural gas from Russia.The country recently signed an agreement to increase the supply of gas. natural with Gazprom alone.
Consider abolishing the veto power against Russian sanctions
EU sources revealed that in response to Russia’s partial mobilization, the EU is considering a new round of sanctions against Russia and at the same time considering removing member states’ veto power when voting on related measures. to Russia. This move is mainly aimed at countries like Hungary and Bulgaria.
The source pointed out that the EU will certainly speed up the decision-making process of the eighth round of sanctions against Russia, add more Russian officials to the sanctions list and expand the scope of direct attacks on the Russian economy. the sanctions plan will be announced on 28 September.
“In the meantime, EU ministers could discuss tonight and in the coming weeks the possibility of removing member states’ veto power when considering sanctions against Russia, so that the sanctions package can be implemented as soon as possible,” he said. the source stated. principle of unanimity, each member state has the right to “one vote of veto”.
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