Viktor Orban, the Hungarian Prime Minister, stated Monday that there was no “acceptable compromise” in regards to a European embargo against Russian oil. He demanded “guarantees for his country’s supplies”.
He said that there was no compromise at the moment, and he arrived at an EU summit to discuss Monday’s final text. This text will allow for the adoption of a sixth set of EU sanctions against Moscow.
The agreement provides for an oil embargo on Russia by the end the year. Hungary, a country that is landlocked and has no access to the sea, relies on Russian oil for approximately 65% of its energy needs. This pipeline runs through Ukraine. Viktor Orban described this exemption as a “good option”. He explained that the problem is with what happens to the pipeline. In such a case, “we need to have a guarantee.”
The sovereigntist leader warned that first, we must find solutions and then sanctions. He also condemned the “irresponsible” European Commission.
