On January 27, 2025, European Union foreign ministers convened in Brussels, reaching an agreement to extend sanctions on Russia for another six months due to its ongoing military actions in Ukraine. This decision followed Hungary's withdrawal of its opposition, which had delayed the extension since December.
The sanctions, which require unanimous approval from all EU member states, have been a routine measure since the onset of the conflict. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced the agreement via social media, emphasizing that these sanctions are crucial in depriving Russia of resources to fund its war efforts.
In exchange for Hungary's support, the EU provided assurances regarding energy security, which included commitments to protect oil and gas infrastructure and facilitate the transit of crude oil through Ukraine. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto confirmed that Hungary received the guarantees it sought.
In addition, discussions are underway regarding potential sanctions relief for Syria, with several EU nations advocating for a phased approach to ease restrictions while ensuring mechanisms for reinstating them if necessary.
The EU has implemented 15 packages of sanctions since February 2022, reflecting its ongoing commitment to addressing the geopolitical challenges posed by Russia's actions in Ukraine.