The Foreign Minister announced today that there is a “strong willingness” among EU member states to establish a more stringent sanctions package against Russia to diminish its military capabilities.
“The majority of countries are eager to enhance sanctions and possibly develop a package that is tougher than anticipated,” stated Paulo Rangel to Lusa, while an informal ministerial meeting takes place in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The Portuguese Foreign Minister noted the importance of considering Hungary’s hesitance, which has historically obstructed decisions to sanction Moscow and its allies since the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
However, Paulo Rangel expressed hope that the meeting would provide a “political impetus” for a decision regarding the 19th sanctions framework, even though the exact stance of Budapest may only become clear later.
The foreign ministers from the 27 EU member states are convening in Copenhagen under the Danish presidency of the EU Council.
While the informal nature of the meeting limits the possibility for concrete decisions, it is expected to yield coordinated political signals from European diplomats.
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