Download
Viktor Orban accuses EU of 'irresponsible behavior' over Russian oil ban
Pablo Gutierrez in Brussels
Europe;Belgium
EU leaders hold a summit on Russian oil sanctions, in Brussels./Reuters

EU leaders hold a summit on Russian oil sanctions, in Brussels./Reuters

The clock is ticking as European leaders struggle to impose a total ban that would cut the supply of Russian oil and end the continent's dependence on Moscow.  

Over the weekend, EU ambassadors met to try to hammer down a deal that all 27 member states could sign off, but Hungary's veto still looms. Earlier today, Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, flat-out said to journalists gathered at the European Council that "there is no agreement" and blamed the commission for what he called "irresponsible behavior.”  

Russia provides 65 percent of Hungary's oil and Orban demands more time and money to lift his veto over the accord.  

READ MORE

Mariupol's last stand

What is monkeypox?

Global bird decline worries scientists

Meanwhile, the European Commission's President Ursula von der Leyen continues to call for European unity, but has diminished her expectation that a deal will be reached over the next two days, "We've been working very hard and successful with five sanctions packages already." 

"It's never been easy, it's the same now with the sixth package," said Von der Leyen. "We are not there yet, but it has matured for sure. My expectations are low that it will be solved in the next 48 hours, but I'm confident that thereafter there will be a possibility."

Ursula von der Leyen arriving at the European Council. /Reuters

Ursula von der Leyen arriving at the European Council. /Reuters

It is that possibility that keeps European leaders hopeful, that's why they've proposed a less restrictive deal, one that would suspend the import of seaborne Russian oil, while permitting oil from pipelines to continue to flow into the continent. The supply of Russian pipeline oil accounts for one-third of all imports.  

This sixth round of sanctions has proved to show some clear differences among the member countries. Nonetheless, the political will remains; what seems to elude them for now is the way to get this accord signed and sealed.  

Viktor Orban told reporters the EU had acted irresponsibly and called for more time to allow Hungary to find alternative sources of fuel. /Reuters

Viktor Orban told reporters the EU had acted irresponsibly and called for more time to allow Hungary to find alternative sources of fuel. /Reuters

For now, as EU heads of state gather for this emergency summit, the importance of showing unity and not handing the Kremlin a win seems to be a political priority. Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki came to the EU leaders' special meeting with a strong message to find unity around the ban on Russian oil. 

"We have to ask ourselves a question if we have done everything to end this war as soon as possible and end in a victorious way," said Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. 

"We're trying to build a consensus around it. We understand that there are countries that don't have access to the sea and that's why they are dependent on pipelines. We have special solutions for them."

Search Trends