EU prepares alternative plan to overcome Hungary's veto on sanctions against Russia

The European Union is working on a so-called ‘plan B’ to extend anti-Russian sanctions in the event of Hungary's veto. According to journalist Rikard Jozwiak, Brussels lawyers are studying the possibility of legally leaving the sanctions decision in force without the need for a unanimous extension of the regulation, which is usually adopted every six months. Such an approach is unprecedented and could trigger lawsuits, but it would avoid blackmail from Budapest.

Other options include: proposing new sanctions that would not actually be adopted but would be subject to bargaining with Hungary; raising tariffs instead of sanctions, which would not require unanimity; or transferring existing sanctions to the national level, although this is complicated by the lack of relevant legislation in many EU countries. In addition, the EU is seeking to start negotiations on Ukraine's accession as early as June, which creates an additional risk of a double veto by Hungary - and could force Brussels to unblock some of its frozen funds.

Source: iPress