In January, EU countries plan to resume discussions about new restrictions designed to damage the Russian economy. That is when Hungary, Moscow’s closest ally in the EU, will complete its six-month presidency of the EU Council, and the European Parliament will approve the EC’s new composition. The Hungarian prime minister has used his country’s presidency to effectively shut down talk of sanctions.
“We hope that all issues that have become hostages of the non-constructive blockade will be resolved urgently,” said EU diplomats.
In addition, beginning January 1, Poland, one of Ukraine’s strongest supporters, will take over the EU Council presidency. Warsaw has already signaled that it wants to use its term to intensify the fight against Russian energy carriers.
Also, the Polish Prime Minister said that Ukraine’s Victory Plan will be reassessed following the US election. Currently there is no consensus among EU leaders regarding the Plan, and it is difficult to say how realistic it is since it depends on the presidential election in the US.