Eurotopics.net

Budapest is refusing to support the EU Commission's plan to tighten sanctions against Russia. The newly re-elected Prime Minister Viktor Orbán declared on Wednesday that for him import restrictions on Russian oil or gas constituted a red line that could not be crossed. Prior to this EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had announced the launch of a rule of law procedure against Hungary. Where will this conflict lead?

In view of the atrocities committed in Bucha, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused the UN Security Council of inaction and called on it to reform or "dissolve yourself altogether". This puts the simmering debate about the powers and powerlessness of the United Nations in armed conflicts firmly back on the agenda.

The EU Commission proposed tougher sanctions against Russia on Tuesday. For the first time, the lucrative Russian fossil fuel business is to be targeted with a coal imports embargo. Does the proposal go far enough, and if not, what additional action should be taken?