Hungary wants eight people to be removed from the EU sanctions list against Russia and to receive new guarantees on gas transit negotiations through Ukraine before agreeing to renew sanctions, Reuters reported, citing statements by European diplomats in Brussels.
EU sanctions against Russia, imposed over Moscow's war in Ukraine, must be renewed every six months by unanimous vote, and Budapest often uses such renewals as an opportunity for negotiations.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó wrote on "Facebook" yesterday that Budapest "will not agree to rush" with the extension of sanctions against individuals.
The sanctions against Russia consist of two main parts, which are to be renewed at different times. One covers economic measures, and the other is a list of more than 2,400 individuals and entities whose assets are subject to a freeze and travel ban.
EU diplomats did not disclose the names of the individuals Hungary wants removed from the bloc's sanctions list against Russia.