During the European Union summit, leaders reached what is described as a political agreement in the sixth sanctions round against Russia. The most contentious element remains the embargo on Russian oil. To overcome Hungary’s veto, a strategy emerged that softens the embargo with a partial ban on crude oil shipped by sea while allowing continued pipeline imports for the time being, which account for roughly two thirds of Russia’s oil imports.
Officials described the deal as a ban on exporting Russian oil to the EU. The move would immediately affect more than two thirds of Russia’s oil exports and deprive Moscow of a key revenue stream supporting the war effort. The objective, officials stated, is to apply maximum pressure to Moscow and to end the war. A related measure targets three Russian state broadcasters accused of disseminating disinformation and aligns with broader sanctions including the exclusion of Sberbank, Russia’s largest bank, from EU financial channels. The aim is to restrict Kremlin-backed influence and hold those involved accountable for actions in Ukraine.
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Last May, the European Commission proposed a complete and gradual ban on Russian oil and its derivatives, covering both sea and pipeline imports, with a one-year grace period for Hungary and Slovakia due to their dependence on the Druzhba pipeline. Budapest pressed for additional funding to adapt its infrastructure and refinery capacities and sought confidence guarantees. The negotiations continued as the Twenty-Seven sought a unified stance without fracturing EU solidarity.
Purpose: political agreement
In the final days before the summit, talks intensified. After an initial failed attempt, the Twenty-Seven’s permanent ambassadors reported progress. The draft language circulated among diplomats indicates that the sixth package will target oil exports from Russia to EU member states, with a temporary exemption for pipeline oil. The draft also urged governments to finalize a functioning single market, fair competition, and solidarity in the event of a sudden supply disruption. The approach envisions a two-stage embargo: first block sea crude, potentially reducing Russian imports by two-thirds by year’s end, then address pipeline flows. Germany and Poland have refused to import Russian oil by sea, while still negotiating pipeline deliveries. At the summit, Orban warned that the proposal was not enough, even as he welcomed the idea of excluding pipeline oil from the embargo.
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Hungary continues to press for stronger guarantees. The request is for assurances that alternative routes can be used if the oil pipeline through Hungary encounters an accident or disruption. Budapest advocates a sequence that prioritizes secure energy solutions before imposing further sanctions, arguing that energy safety must come first. The Hungarian leader warned that the process remains fragile and that bipartisan unity is essential for success. A contemporary assessment underscored the risk that diverging national interests could stall progress, underscoring the need for genuine European solidarity.
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Several member states raised concerns about domestic market disruptions that might accompany a rapid tightening of oil supplies, particularly where Hungary purchases cheaper Russian oil while others diversify. The Dutch prime minister emphasized the importance of keeping the framework balanced, acknowledging that refinery rebuilds take time but stressing that cooperation and stability remain crucial to avoid market shocks. The overarching message was a call for pragmatic, coordinated action that preserves the integrity of EU energy and market rules while supporting Ukraine in the conflict. A cautious optimism persisted about reaching a constructive resolution that respects member state needs while maintaining a united front in the sanctions regime [Attribution: El Periódico].