PARIS, December 8. /TASS/. Hungary has never supported the European Union’s decision to impose sanctions against Russia, as its goal has always been to protect its own national interests above all, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said in an interview with the French magazine Le Point.
Asked why he calls sanctions against Moscow foolish, though he supported each of the sanctions packages passed by the European Union against Russia, he said: "I have never supported any sanctions." He cannot use his veto power each time within the framework of the voting inside the EU, Orban said, adding that he needs to "find the right balance." "I only object to the decisions and sanctions that contradict Hungary’s fundamental interests. For example, on energy. Such sanctions are out of the question," PM explained.
In the history of Europe, "hardly any example can be found when sanctions actually led to the desired result," Orban noted. In the situation with Russia there is a problem, on the one hand, with the implementation of sanctions, which is sometimes so poor that "EU members suffer more than Russia," he said. On the other hand, regarding issues related to sanctions against Moscow the European Union "is being deceived" as despite restrictions imposed against Russia, "the Americans double purchases of nuclear fuel," the prime minister added. "While we speak about sanctions, others, the United States in particular, avoid them, doing good business," Orban said.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said on November 28 that the 12th package of anti-Russia sanctions would be greenlighted at this year’s last meeting of foreign ministers of 27 member states of the Union on December 11. Earlier, Bloomberg said citing documents that the EU wants to ban exports of machine tools and machinery components to Russia as part of the new package of sanctions. It also suggests prohibiting exports of chemicals, lithium batteries, thermostats, actuating motors and motors for unmanned aerial vehicles. Moreover, imports of liquid propane, cast iron grades, copper and aluminum wire, foil, tubes and pipes will be prohibited, the agency said.