"European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen failed to reach agreement with Hungary on Monday to secure the country's backing for an oil embargo on Russia, as talks among European Union members over energy sanctions drag on.
Ms. von der Leyen's trip to see Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban came after days of negotiations between Hungary and the commission, the European Union's executive body, over the help Brussels would provide to reboot Hungary's energy system so that it no longer needs Russian oil.
Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria and Croatia are also making their acceptance of an oil embargo conditional on assistance from Brussels.
EU officials and diplomats say they remain confident a deal to phase in a ban on Russian oil will come together.
On Monday, Hungary's foreign minister said his government can't support the EU's oil embargo because it would "destroy our stable energy supply," a government spokesman said.
The commission is prepared to offer Hungary more time to stop importing Russian oil, and guarantees and assistance to ensure Hungary can find energy alternatives.
Last Tuesday, the European Commission proposed that EU member states stop importing Russian crude oil in six months and stop importing refined oil products by year-end. The sanctions need the backing of all 27 member states.
The commission offered Hungary and Slovakia 20 months to stop importing Russian oil. The commission is also offering the Czech Republic two years to wean itself off Russian oil. Bulgaria and Croatia are also both seeking EU assistance or more time." [1]
In Lithuania, you are fired, because we have to sanction Russia. Have a problem with that? See you at next elections. Go eat shit now.
1. The Ukraine Crisis: EU Finds Oil Ban Hard to Deliver
Norman, Laurence.
Wall Street Journal, Eastern edition; New York, N.Y. [New York, N.Y]. 10 May 2022: A.7.
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