The European Commission is exploring alternative legal mechanisms to maintain pressure on Moscow if Hungary blocks the renewal of EU economic sanctions due to expire in July.
Brussels is preparing alternative legal tools to sustain pressure on Moscow if Hungary blocks the renewal of EU economic sanctions set to expire in July. The European Commission has informed member states that key measures—such as the freeze on €200 billion in Russian state assets—could be placed on a new legal footing to avoid needing unanimous approval. Capital controls and tariffs are among the options under consideration.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has previously opposed sanction extensions, and Budapest's stance remains uncertain. EU sanctions require consensus to be renewed every six months, but the Commission is exploring mechanisms that need only a qualified majority. One scenario would let countries like Belgium, where much of the Russian assets are held, take independent steps to prevent repatriation. Trade tools—such as those already used on Russian fertiliser—may also be adapted further. While no major objections were raised by Hungary in recent talks on a new 17th sanctions package, which targets third-country firms aiding Russia, officials remain cautious.
The package is expected to be finalised next week. Separately, the Commission plans to propose new rules on phasing out Russian gas imports by 2027 and introducing tariffs on enriched uranium. It says these would not be sanctions, though some member states have requested legal clarity to avoid future disputes. Commission officials, responding to doubts raised by diplomats, emphasised confidence in their legal teams, calling the concern a matter of trust
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A powerful winter storm has brought large parts of the U.S. Northeast to a standstill, dumping more than a foot of snow across several states and severely disrupting transport and daily life.
The United Nations mission in Afghanistan said on Monday it had received “credible reports” that at least 13 civilians were killed and seven others injured in overnight Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghanistan.
Four members of Syria’s Internal Security Forces were killed on Monday in an attack by the ISIS (Daesh) terrorist group targeting a checkpoint west of Raqqa in northeastern Syria, the Interior Ministry said.
Central Asia’s population could reach 96 million by 2040, according to the head of the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), highlighting both the region’s economic potential and the growing strain on infrastructure, trade routes and long-term development models.
A seven-month-old Japanese macaque has drawn international attention after forming an unusual bond with a stuffed orangutan toy after being rejected by its mother.
Pakistan said it carried out cross-border strikes on militant targets inside Afghanistan after blaming a series of recent suicide bombings, including attacks during the holy month of Ramadan, on fighters it said were operating from Afghan territory.
Italy said a fond farewell to the Winter Olympics on Sunday with an open-air ceremony in the ancient Verona Arena that celebrated art and sporting achievement at a Games lauded as a model for how to stage such events.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has approved new sanctions targeting Russian maritime operators, defence-linked companies and individuals connected to Moscow’s military and energy sectors, according to official decrees issued on Saturday.
The United States and Iran will hold a new round of nuclear negotiations in Geneva on Thursday as part of renewed diplomatic efforts to reach a potential agreement, Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi announced on Sunday.
Chinese travellers made an estimated 362.58 million cross-regional passenger trips on Monday, the final day of the Spring Festival holiday, according to official data.
Thousands of people gathered across Europe and beyond over the weekend in solidarity with Ukraine, as the war with Russia entered its fifth year.
A powerful winter storm has brought large parts of the U.S. Northeast to a standstill, dumping more than a foot of snow across several states and severely disrupting transport and daily life.
The United Nations mission in Afghanistan said on Monday it had received “credible reports” that at least 13 civilians were killed and seven others injured in overnight Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghanistan.
The former British ambassador to the U.S. Peter Mandelson has been arrested by police in London on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
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