Brussels Loses Its Orbán Excuse as Russia Sanctions Stall
The EU's 21st Russia sanctions package remains stalled as Greece, Cyprus, and Malta openly oppose measures on LNG transport and oil price caps that Hungary can no longer be blamed for blocking.
Despite widespread expectations that the fall of Viktor Orbán’s national conservative government in Hungary would immediately unlock European unity on Ukraine policy, the opposite appears to be unfolding in Brussels, with member states now openly divided over the proposed 21st sanctions package against Russia.
According to The European Conservative, EU countries have already missed their first deadline and are now approaching the second with no resolution in sight. The sanctions package, which the European Commission has promoted as its most ambitious yet, remains stalled as member states can no longer shelter behind Hungary’s veto and must now openly defend their own national interests.
Greece Blocks LNG Transport Ban
The central point of contention is a proposed ban preventing EU-based companies from transporting Russian liquefied natural gas to third countries. Greece, which operates the EU’s largest shipping sector, has maintained a firm rejection of the measure, warning that it would trigger an exodus of major shipping companies from European jurisdiction.
Athens’ EU ambassador has argued that the ban would simply cause vessel operators to reflag their ships outside the bloc, meaning Russian LNG shipments would continue at current levels while EU nations forfeit substantial tax revenues in the process.
Oil Price Cap Extension Also Under Fire
Greece is joined by Cyprus and Malta in opposing another provision: extending the EU’s price cap on Russian oil, currently set at $44.10 per barrel. The cap prohibits EU-based service operators from handling or insuring Russian oil shipments unless the oil is sold below that threshold.
Brussels Fears Perception Crisis
If no agreement is reached, the package is expected to remain deadlocked until mid-autumn, a scenario Brussels is keen to avoid. Officials fear such a delay would damage public perception that the EU stands with Ukraine “whatever it takes,” as The European Conservative reports.
One EU diplomat was quoted as saying, Orbán was difficult, underscoring the irony that member states now face the same political pressures the former Hungarian prime minister long resisted, only without the convenient scapegoat.
With information from The European Conservative
