Orban’s ‘Risky’ Sanctions Path Weakens EU, Czech Minister Says

  • Bek says Hungary’s methods are making it more isolated
  • Orban’s tactics may strengthen voices against unanimous voting
Viktor OrbanPhotographer: Akos Stiller/Bloomberg
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Hungary’s obstinate approach toward negotiating sanctions against Russia are undermining European Union unity and weakening the bloc’s position on the world stage, a senior Czech official said.

Czech Minister for European Affairs Mikulas Bek said Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s stonewalling against efforts to pass a sixth package of EU sanctions this week, including an embargo on most Russian oil, had increasingly left Budapest isolated among Western powers, even if he eventually relented.