Greece, Hungary block EU sanctions against Russia – Politico

This was reported by Politico.

It is noted that the EU is currently discussing the 11th package of sanctions against Russia. The 10 previous packages were aimed at measures against the Russian economy - now Brussels wants to make it impossible to circumvent its restrictions.

In particular, the new package of sanctions may target other countries that help Moscow evade the trade embargo. However, official Budapest and Athens are blocking the decision. Politico notes that Ukraine has compiled a list of private companies considered to be sponsors of the war. The list includes a number of European companies.

Hungary and Greece are using the blockade as political leverage to remove their companies from the list.

This caused tension at a meeting of EU foreign ministers earlier this week, where German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock directly criticized Hungary, according to diplomats with knowledge of the exchange.

Four diplomats told Politico that Greece was the focus of the May 24 meeting of EU ambassadors. Athens has denied suggestions that Greek companies are circumventing sanctions. 

"Greece reiterated that, should there be concrete evidence of violation of sanctions, these should be brought to the attention of the member states concerned, at the technical level, so that this be adequately investigated and then due action will be taken," one of the EU diplomats said. 

It is noted that Greece claims that Ukraine's listing of Greek companies as international sponsors of the war severely damages its economy. Another EU diplomat said that while they empathize with Greece's position, "but independently of that we of course want the next sanctions package."

• Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said that due to Ukraine's inclusion of the Hungarian OTP Bank in the list of war sponsors, it would be difficult for Budapest to agree with the EU on new sanctions against Russia.