Sanctions: Only Brussels Fails to Notice They Harm Europe More Than Russia

Brussels claims that EU sanctions support Ukraine and cause harm to Russia, but in recent years it has become clear that this is not true. Next week, the topic of sanctions will once again be on the agenda in Brussels.

European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (Photo: AFP)

Following a meeting with the Secretary-General of the OECD, Szijjarto emphasized that

Hungary has a vital interest in ensuring the global economy functions as smoothly as possible.

 He argued that sanctions fundamentally conflict with Hungary's economic interests: "Over the past three years, the EU has doubled down on imposing a failed sanctions policy against Russia, which has not achieved the intended results."

Sanctions have neither brought peace closer nor crippled the Russian economy. On the contrary, they have caused immense harm to European economies, with Hungary being a prime example,

he noted, stressing, "The EU, through its sanctions regime, has forced Hungarian citizens to bear the cost of this deeply flawed policy." 

Szijjarto also highlighted 

the impacts of Kyiv's actions, which have exacerbated Hungary's energy security challenges and raised energy prices for Hungarian people.

"Ukraine's suspension of gas transit has led to increased gas prices across Central Europe. Furthermore, there have been measures to partially restrict oil transit and recent attacks on the TurkStream gas pipeline, which is crucial for Hungary's natural gas supply," he explained.

The foreign affairs minister declared: "This can't go on. Hungarian citizens cannot be expected to continue to bear the double burden of paying the price of sanctions while suffering the consequences of Ukraine's energy security measures. This cannot continue."

He concluded that the situation required an immediate intervention: "It was necessary to pull the handbrake and make it clear that Hungary cannot tolerate a sanctions policy that damages its economy while looking on as Ukraine's steps undermining Central European energy security,

he warned.

On Thursday, Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Peter Szijjarto announced plans to consult with the Trump administration before determining Hungary's stance on Russian sanctions.

Cover Image: European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (Photo: AFP)