The EU has agreed to extend Russian sanctions; the EC will negotiate gas transit terms with Ukraine with Slovakia and Hungary’s participation.

On January 27, the EU Council of Ministers extended its economic sanctions targeting Russia for another six months. The previous restrictions were due to expire on January 31, but they will now be in force until mid-2025, said EU High Representative Kaja Kallas.

The sanctions’ extension was in question given Victor Orban’s threats to veto the decision. However, Hungary agreed to extend the sanctions in exchange for an EU statement on “energy security.”

In addition, the European Commission will continue negotiations with Ukraine regarding natural gas supplies to Europe and will involve Hungary and Slovakia in these discussions.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó confirmed that Hungary had received the requested guarantees regarding the country’s energy security. The European Commission has also undertaken to protect gas and oil pipelines that lead to EU member states. He added that the European Commission also demands guarantees from Ukraine to maintain oil supplies to the EU.