Strengthening competitiveness is crucial, Hungary's European Union Affairs minister emphasized in a post on his social media page.

Hungary wants the European Union to persuade Ukraine to resume gas transit from Russia to Europe, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Friday, signalling a tough debate as the EU seeks to extend its sanctions against Russia over the coming week.

Hungarian EU Affairs Minister Janos Boka made public on Facebook the declaration issued by the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and the European Commission, which Hungary received in exchange for not vetoing the extension of anti-Russia sanctions. The document outlines four key points.

BRUSSELS – Hungary removed its veto on the EU's six-month extension of Russia sanctions on Monday, but it may not be its last standoff. The deal was struck after the EU agreed to issue a joint, non-binding statement by top diplomat Kaja Kallas and the European Commission to support Hungary's energy security at Monday's meeting of foreign ministers.

Hungary's representatives have not yet agreed to a decision on the extension of EU sanctions against Russia. The issue will be considered at an EU Council meeting at foreign minister level on Monday,

The European Commission will continue talks with Ukraine on natural gas supplies to Europe and will include Hungary and Slovakia in these talks, according to a statement shared by an EU diplomat and seen by Reuters on Monday.

There was no joint statement by the European Union countries on the presidential elections in Belarus because of Hungary's position. This was reported today, January 27, by the European media.

Hungary wants the European Union to intervene in a gas dispute it has with Ukraine, a potential sign of friction in the bloc’s upcoming discussions over renewing sanctions against Russia.

The EU has renewed sanctions against Russia despite Hungary's initial objections, following assurances on energy-related issues and amidst Belarus election controversy.

The European Union renewed on Monday its wide-ranging sanctions on Russia over the war in Ukraine, after Hungary stopped holding up the move in return for a declaration on energy security.

Thanks to the Hungarian EU presidency's determined efforts, Serbia's accession talks have recently gained momentum.