After Orbán, the EU will reintroduce new sanctions against Russia in January, according to Politico.

The European Union is set to resume discussions on sanctions against Russia in January 2025, after Hungary hands over the EU presidency to Poland.

This was reported by RBK-Ukraine citing Politico.

Hungary, as Moscow's closest ally in the EU, has wielded its influence to curb discussions on sanctions; however, Poland, known as one of Ukraine's staunchest supporters, plans to adopt a tougher stance.

Poland's Climate Minister Krzysztof Bolesta has already emphasized the need to address the issue of increasing imports of Russian energy resources, which continue to rise despite existing restrictions. The EU previously imposed sanctions on Russian oil supplies and reduced gas purchases, but there are loopholes that Moscow continues to exploit.

Poland intends to use its presidency to tighten sanctions, including those related to Russian fuel. Experts highlight that Poland's presidency offers a significant opportunity to reassess and strengthen the sanctions strategy, which is crucial amid the ongoing conflict and the approaching winter.

Discussions are also expected to address the transparency of Russian gas and oil supplies to Europe to prevent circumvention of sanctions, such as the oil price cap, which has proven insufficiently effective.

Criticism of Orban

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has long faced criticism from EU leaders for his pro-Russian stance, anti-Western rhetoric, and blocking aid to Ukraine from the European Union.

The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs even suggested that Orban leave the EU and NATO and form an alliance with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.

In the summer, the European Union decided to move the meetings of foreign and defense ministers of member states from Budapest to Brussels due to Orban's policies and his "peaceful" tour.

During a visit to Kyiv, he urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to cease resistance to Russia, lay down arms, and initiate "peace negotiations." Orban then traveled to Moscow for a meeting with Putin.