Some European Union (EU) member states have said it may be time to consider postponing the introduction of an embargo on Russian oil. Even if the EU cannot convince Hungary, which opposes the embargo, it will be able to proceed with the rest of the comprehensive sanctions.
Governments are still aiming to reach an agreement on comprehensive sanctions, including a gradual oil embargo, by 16th, according to EU diplomatic officials. The EU Foreign Ministers’ Meeting will be held in Brussels on the same day.
Hungary is stubbornly opposed, saying that the oil embargo would be too damaging to the economy. Officials said the idea of postponing this was gaining support among member states. In some countries, excluding oil embargoes from comprehensive sanctions would be a sign of weakness, according to another official.
news-rsf-original-reference paywall">Original title:
news-rsf-original-reference paywall">EU Starts to Mull Delay in Oil Sanctions as Hungary Digs In(excerpt)