The European Union's ban on Russian oil is in jeopardy Friday after Hungary's Prime Minister rejected proposals that were too costly and swift to implement.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said current energy sanctions against Russia are not acceptable.
According to multiple news reports, Orban told Hungarian state radio on Friday that Hungary could not support EU sanctions against Russia in their current form.
He said that banning Russian oil would amount to a "atomic bomb" being dropped on the Hungarian economy.
In order to manage without Russian oil, Hungary would need at least five years of investment.
He is waiting for a new proposal from the European Commission and is willing to negotiate a sanctions proposal that meets Hungary's interests.
Hungary is heavily dependent on Russian oil and has consistently shot down proposed energy sanctions against Moscow since it invaded Ukraine in February.
Most of the EU would phase out Russian oil imports within six months, along with banning Russian broadcasters from the region. The president of the European Commission said ending the bloc's dependence on Russian oil will be difficult, but must be done to hold Putin accountable. One of the bloc's most severe moves against Moscow would be the latest round of sanctions. Due to the bloc's heavy reliance on Russia for energy, the sanctions on energy have been divisive. The need for unanimity in decision making has hampered the bloc's ability to meaningfully target one of Putin's major income streams. After Germany softened its stance, the latest proposals are possible. Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic are all dependent on Russian energy imports and are skeptical of plans. While Hungary has not opposed EU sanctions to date, Orban is an ally of Putin's regime and an outlier among European leaders for not condemning Russia's actions in Ukraine.
There are negotiations and concessions. Slovakia and Hungary have both been granted an extra year to stop using Russian oil under the proposals. The deputy energy minister of Slovakia said that the country wants the EU to give it more time to adapt. He said that Slovakia will need at least three years.
The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Kirill, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, would not be supported by Hungary.
Von der Leyen's team scrambles to find a compromise.
The EU has plans for Russian oil embargo.
The EU unity was undermined by the Russia oil embargo plan.
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