Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 23, 2026
1 min readLast updated: February 23, 2026
EU ministers aim to persuade Hungary to drop its veto on the next Russia sanctions. A German minister warned that blocking the package betrays Europe’s struggle for freedom, as talks continue in Brussels and Budapest.
BERLIN, Feb 23 (Reuters) - EU foreign ministers will urge Hungary to rethink its decision to block the European Union's next package of sanctions against Russia, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said in Brussels on Monday.
"I do not believe it is right for Hungary to betray its own struggle for freedom and European sovereignty," Wadephul said.
"That is why we will once again present our arguments to the Hungarians in Budapest, but also here in Brussels, of course, and ask them to reconsider their position," he added.
(Reporting by Friederike HeineEditing by Ludwig Burger)
EU foreign ministers are urging Hungary to reconsider its move to block the bloc’s next package of sanctions against Russia, a stance criticized by a German minister.
EU sanctions require unanimity. Hungary’s veto can delay or derail the next package targeting Russia, affecting the bloc’s collective response and market expectations.
Ministers plan renewed outreach in Brussels and Budapest to seek a reversal of Hungary’s position and secure consensus for the sanctions package.
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