The European Union intends to propose a ban on Russia’s oil until the end of the year, and before gradually introducing import restrictions.
While Russia is killing Ukrainians, Europeans continue to buy energy from Russia. Kyiv has called for a ban on Russia’s oil and gas purchases since the start of the war. And now, finally, the EU is close to an embargo on Russia’s oil. It may be introduced early next week. However, a number of hurdles still remain.
Hungarian problem
Hungary is the most outspoken opponent of Russia’s oil import ban. Hungarian Minister Gergel Gulyash said Budapest would veto any proposal in Europe that would limit energy imports from Russia.
“We have clarified that we will never support the extension of European Union sanctions against Russia on energy. Since such decisions require unity, it is pointless for the European Commission to propose sanctions on natural gas and crude oil that limit of Hungarian prices, ”Gulyash said.
It is noteworthy that Hungary buys approximately 6 million tons of Russian oil per year, which is relatively small. The Netherlands, for example, buys 37.4 million tonnes for $ 17.3 billion, Germany – 19.2 million tonnes for $ 9.3 billion. That is, the Hungarians, if they wish, could, of course, find a substitute for Russian oil. So opposing the embargo is more than just a political decision. Hungary does not support the transfer of weapons to Ukraine, and even prohibits the transportation of weapons through its territory. And the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksiy Danilov recently said that Vladimir Putin had warned Budapest about his attack on Ukraine.
Germany for
But the Hungarian problem could be solved by Germany’s agreement to impose an embargo – customary to listen to the EU’s main economy in the union.
According to German Foreign Minister Annalena Berbock, the country supports the EU oil embargo against Russia.
“We also encourage within the EU to come together now as Europeans to phase out oil under the EU’s sixth sanctions package,” Burbock said.
Germany has previously been skeptical about the oil embargo. Burbock has now confirmed the course change that EU diplomats were already discussing over the weekend.
According to him, the goal is to prevent Russia from launching “a war of occupation in violation of international law” again.
“With the help of sanctions, we guarantee that further military actions of the Russian Federation in other regions will be impossible in the next few years,” the minister said. According to him, Russia will be harmed by the war economy and sanctions on the West that “in fact, it will not recover for many years.”
Moreover, according to media reports, Germany could support an immediate European Union ban on Russia’s oil, which could allow Europe to impose such a ban within a few days.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who has been more cautious than other Western leaders in supporting Ukraine, is under increasing pressure to take a tougher stance, including from the ruling coalition.
“Germany is not opposed to an oil ban on Russia. Of course, it is a heavy burden, but we will be willing to do it,” Economy Minister Robert Habeck of the Greens told reporters before speaking to its EU counterparts in Brussels.
“With coal and oil, Russia’s imports can now be abandoned. It’s possible that fuel prices could rise,” said Finance Minister Christian Lindner, who represents the Free Democrats.
Germany has already reduced Russia’s share of oil in its imports to 12% from 35% before Russia invaded Ukraine, but previously said it would take several months to phase out Russia’s oil to reduce the impact. in the economy.
Austrian Energy Minister Leonora Gewessler also said her country was not against an oil embargo against Russia.
Find a solution
According to German TV channel ZDF, Hungary, Slovakia and other “volatile countries” of the European Union have decided not to interfere with Russia’s oil embargo, after changing Germany’s position.
“All member states (of the European Union) are ready to support the freeze on oil purchases,” Gunnar Kruger, a correspondent for the channel in Brussels, told ZDF.
In addition, according to media reports, the European Commission could make an exception and free Hungary and Slovakia from the embargo on Russia’s oil purchases.
To keep the 27-nation bloc united, the European Commission could offer Slovakia and Hungary “an exception or a long transition period,” an official said.
The oil embargo is likely to phase in and is likely to take effect only early next year, officials said.
In general, the EU is dependent on Russia for 26% of its oil imports, but this varies by country.
On Tuesday, the European Commission is expected to conduct the next, sixth round of EU sanctions against Russia for its actions in Ukraine, which will include a ban on Russia’s oil purchases.
Source: korrespondent
