A meeting of the European Foreign Affairs Council is currently underway in Brussels, following a doorstep press conference by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, during which she admitted that the proposed 20th EU sanctions package against Russia will not be approved after Hungary and Slovakia declared that they would veto the proposal.
Hungary and Slovakia are protesting against Ukraine after Russian oil supplies to their countries through the Druzhba pipeline were cut off. Alternative supplies are now expected to be replaced via the Adriatic pipeline in Croatia.
Malta has opposed the sanctions package along with Greece and Cyprus but is taking a back seat in the discussions, allowing Hungary and Slovakia to lead the opposition on its behalf.
The EU Council will also discuss how the โฌ90-billion loan to Ukraine will proceed – this does not need Hungary’s approval.
The High Representative will also report about ongoing discussions by the EU with Jordan and the Palestinian Authority on the peace process in Gaza with the EU supporting and coordinating the disarmament of Hamas with the Palestinian Authority. The EU is currently financing and supporting the Palestinian Police.
The EU Council is also discussing new measures to address Russian disinformation networks in Europe. The EU High Representative reiterated that Russia must make concessions in the event of a peace agreement with Ukraine.
Newsroom
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