EU is working on a new way to keep sanctions against Russia, despite Hungary

The European Commission has informed member states that key sanctions, such as energy import bans and price caps, could be moved to an alternative legal basis to circumvent Budapest's veto.

Options include capital controls to block funds to Russia and trade measures such as tariffs that would only need to be imposed by a majority of EU countries, according to officials cited by the publication.

One proposal envisages bilateral measures allowing countries such as Belgium, which holds most of the €200 billion ($222 billion) in Russian assets, to block their repatriation.

“We are all focused on Plan A,” one EU official said. “But there are discussions on the legal basis for alternative options.”

Hungary did not raise serious objections to the 17th package of sanctions targeting Chinese and other firms helping Russia evade sanctions during a meeting of 27 EU ambassadors on May 12, which is expected to be formally adopted early next week.

Some diplomats fear that banning Russian gas without sanctions could trigger legal battles, requiring the Commission to provide assurances on “watertight” measures.

The Commission, surprised by the “lack of trust” of its members, said its “best people” were working on improving the rules, according to a participant's account.

Source: The new voice of Ukraine