Orban's Departure Fails to Expedite EU's Approval of Russia Sanctions

Despite the change in power in Hungary, the EU's process of approving new sanctions against Russia continues to move at a slower pace than expected.The departure of former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has reportedly complicated the EU's process of approving new sanctions against Russia, rather than expediting it. Some EU countries had lobbied intensely for Orban to lose the election, but they have not seen the expected impact. An unnamed EU diplomat noted, 'Orban was a tough negotiator, but he never completely blocked the entire package.'The relationship between Budapest and Brussels has been tense in the past, and expectations that this would change with the arrival of Prime Minister Peter Magyar have proven unfounded. Support for new restrictions in Europe appears to be waning, with governments seeking to protect their own national interests.