Official reports from the European Union or credible news outlets covering the EU's decision-making process

Orban Urges EU to End Russia Sanctions on Kossuth Radio, Citing Trump's New Era

Jan 17, 2025, 08:43 AM

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has called for the European Union to end its sanctions against Russia, suggesting that with the incoming administration of Donald Trump, a 'new era' is beginning. Orban made these remarks on Kossuth Radio, emphasizing that the EU should 'throw sanctions out the window' and establish relations with Russia without them. He also stated that after the conflict in Ukraine ends, the West would normalize relations with Russia, and the sanctions would be lifted. Orban's comments come at a time when the EU is reportedly considering measures to bypass a potential Hungarian veto on extending the sanctions regime against Russia, according to the Financial Times. Additionally, there is a mention of the possibility of involving King Philippe of Belgium to prevent the return of €190 billion in frozen Russian assets held in Euroclear if Hungary vetoes the sanctions extension.