In reaction to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the European Union has placed sanctions on over 2,400 people and organizations, mostly from Russia. Hungary has agreed to lift its veto and permit the renewal of these measures. Less than 48 hours before the measures were supposed to expire, the settlement was reached on Friday, ending a dangerous impasse that had left the bloc in a state of extreme uncertainty.
Since sanctions must be unanimously renewed every six months, a single member state has the power to sabotage the entire procedure. According to many officials who spoke to Euronews, Budapest insisted that a number of names be taken from the blacklist. The identities were not disclosed, but as part of the request, Russia’s sports minister and seven oligarchs, including Mikhail Fridman and Dmitry Mazepin, were identified by Radio Free Europe.
After lengthy backroom negotiations, a compromise was made to reveal four names instead of the eight Hungary had requested. Furthermore, three deceased people were not included. Consequently, the extension for an additional six months was authorized on Friday morning. The restrictions were scheduled to end on Saturday at midnight.
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