The European Commission is considering offering financial compensation to Hungary in exchange for supporting russian oil ban, reports Politico.
According to three EU officials, the money could be channeled to Budapest as part of the bloc's new energy strategy, which is due to be set out next week.
Politico noted that securing Hungary's support for the plan to block all EU imports of crude and refined fuels from russia is essential to maintaining the political objective of strong and united European opposition to putin's actions.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reported progress in talks with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban regarding sanctions against russia, specifically the energy ones.
russian oil ban has to be part of the EU's sixth sanctions package. New sanctions were introduced last week, but there was no vote -- the countries are holding consultations. The plan is to gradually abandon oil imports from russia: crude oil -- in up to six months, refined -- by the end of the year.
However, exceptions are planned for some countries: Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic should be given a reprieve. Bulgaria also insists on getting a reprieve. Otherwise, it threatens to block the imposition of oil ban at EU level. The EU needs the consent of all 27 member states to apply sanctions.
Hungary and its newly elected prime minister, Viktor Orban, have systematically opposed the imposition of anti-russian energy sanctions. The Prime Minister Orban noted that the approval of the proposed package of sanctions will require his country to make large-scale investments in alternative supplies and modernization of Hungarian refineries. He warned that the proposed measures could also lead to further increases in energy prices.