America News Agency

Hungary agreed to allow the renewal of EU sanctions against more than 2,400 individuals and entities, mostly from Russia, imposed in response to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and lifted its veto.

The decision was made on Friday, less than 48 hours before the measures were set to expire, placing the bloc in a state of heightened tension.

Sanctions must be renewed every six months by unanimous decision, meaning a single member state can derail the entire process.

Hungary’s veto was reaffirmed multiple times this week in ambassador meetings – on Monday, Wednesday, and most recently on Thursday afternoon, but attempts to reach a consensus failed.

The sanctions will remain in effect until September 15, 2025.

According to EU sources, following Hungary’s veto threat, four individuals, as well as three recently deceased persons, were removed from the list.

Sources also stated that Russian banking and energy oligarch Mikhail Fridman, who partially won a legal battle against EU sanctions last April, remains on the list.