EU leaders agree to extend Russia sanctions for 12 months for first time
For the first time since the full-scale war, EU leaders have agreed to extend sanctions against Russia for 12 months instead of the usual six, setting a precedent in EU decision-making.
European Union leaders have for the first time since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine agreed to extend sanctions against Russia for 12 months rather than the customary six. The decision was made during a European Council meeting, which began with the participation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and continued after his departure, with only EU leaders present.
The discussions lasted approximately 3.5 hours and concluded shortly before midnight Kyiv time. Maria Tomasik, a spokesperson for the President of the European Council, told journalists in Brussels that the debate on Ukraine was concluded, and leaders had adopted the summit conclusions, including the decision to extend sanctions against Russia for 12 months.
This move sets a precedent for the EU, as for the last roughly ten years, including throughout the full-scale war, member states had to renew sanctions every six months. This gave individual capitals, particularly Budapest, the opportunity to negotiate. The change in the period became possible after the defeat of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in elections.
Earlier, before the summit, sources indicated that the EU might agree to extend sanctions for a full year since there was no longer a veto obstacle. Under Orbán, Hungary regularly blocked sanctions and other EU decisions, demanding various concessions. Slovakia often joined in blocking. Currently, as the EU works on its 21st sanctions package against Russia, a stumbling block is Bulgaria's position, which opposes the inclusion of Patriarch Kirill on the sanctions list.
