Hungary opposes a planned oil embargo and Cyprus is concerned about a proposed ban on property sales to Russian citizens.
Italy and Hungary called on the EU to clearly advocate for a ceasefire in Ukraine and peace talks with the aggressor country, at odds with other member states determined to take a hard line on Moscow ahead of the next summit.
This is reported Reuters.
It is noted that in the draft final statement of the summit on May 30-31, and dated May 19, the European Union is described as “unwavering in its commitment to help Ukraine realize its inalienable right to self-defense against Russian aggression.” It does not mention peace talks.
At a meeting of EU representatives on Friday, May 20, the Italian ambassador proposed changing the text, noting that it should refer to peace talks and list an immediate ceasefire as one of the EU’s first goals, according to people who attended the meeting.
This proposal was supported by Hungary and Cyprus, which are among the states most critical of the new package of EU sanctions against Russia, which has been blocked for a long time due to internal disagreements.
Hungary opposes a planned oil embargo and Cyprus is concerned about a proposed ban on property sales to Russian citizens.