Zbliża się koniec bojkotów Viktora Orbana. Węgierski przywódca może zostać ujarzmiony. "Wybrał izolację" - Wiadomości

Orbán's Isolation and EU Countermeasures

The article focuses on the European Union's efforts to circumvent Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's veto power on sanctions against Russia. Orbán's repeated use of his veto power, including blocking sanctions extensions, is highlighted as a significant challenge to the EU's unified response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

EU Countries Explore National-Level Sanctions

At least six European countries are working to transpose the power to impose sanctions against Russia from the EU level to their national laws. This would bypass Hungary's ability to block EU-wide sanctions through its veto.

• Countries considering this include Belgium and Czechia, previously hesitant to impose sanctions independently.

This approach is seen as a way to maintain pressure on Russia even if Hungary continues to block EU-level initiatives. However, there is concern about undermining the EU's unified front and the potential for differing levels of sanction enforcement across countries.

Concerns and Divisions within the EU

The proposed shift in sanction enforcement has met with mixed reactions. While some see it as a practical solution to Orbán's obstructionism, others worry it could weaken the EU's overall position and create inconsistencies in sanction implementation.

• The Czech foreign minister expressed concerns about weakening the EU's common foreign policy.
• Lithuania highlighted the need for legal clarity to expand national sanctions and questioned the EU's purpose if such unilateral actions become necessary.

The article suggests that the EU might be moving towards a system where decisions are made by a coalition of willing nations, potentially leaving Hungary increasingly isolated in its opposition to sanctions against Russia.