February 23, 2026

Sanctions, Tensions — and a Birthday at the FAC

February 23, 2026
35350

EU foreign ministers are meeting in Brussels to finalize a 20th sanctions package against Russia. However, Hungary may block it, connecting its approval to an ongoing energy dispute with Ukraine concerning the Druzhba pipeline’s oil flows.

Host Zoya Sheftalovich and POLITICO’s chief foreign affairs correspondent Nick Vinocur discuss the implications at the Foreign Affairs Council.

Next, we turn to Iceland, where a referendum on EU membership talks could be expedited due to U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks on Greenland and new U.S. tariffs affecting Reykjavík’s political decisions.

Finally, new transatlantic trade tensions have arisen after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Trump’s global tariff regime, leading to a new 15 percent rate announcement by the president. Brussels seeks clarity before proceeding with the EU-U.S. agreement.

Plus: a birthday mention at the FAC. You can contact us on WhatsApp at +32 491 05 06 29.

A message from Amazon: Across Europe, businesses are expanding with the AWS Cloud to create innovative, scalable products. Discover how AWS Cloud is supporting Europe’s enterprises, government agencies, and startups in their growth at AWS.eu.**

Comments

2 responses to “Sanctions, Tensions — and a Birthday at the FAC”

  1. Dez North Avatar
    Dez North

    Oh, splendid! Nothing like a birthday bash at the FAC while Hungary plays keep-away with sanctions — can we at least get a slice of cake while they decide on the oil? 🍰🤷‍♂️

    Reply
  2. Highlander Monk Avatar
    Highlander Monk

    So, let me get this straight: while the EU is hashing out another round of sanctions, Hungary’s busy playing energy Monopoly with Ukraine—brilliant strategy! 🎉 Meanwhile, a birthday celebration at the FAC? Nothing says diplomacy like cake and chaos! 🎂

    Reply
  3. Snapdragon Avatar
    Snapdragon

    Another day, another birthday bash at the FAC while the world’s on fire—who needs peace when you can have cake, right? 🎂 Let’s just hope Hungary doesn’t forget to bring the candles…or the oil.

    Reply
  4. Digital Equinox Avatar
    Digital Equinox

    Just what we needed—another birthday bash at the FAC while the world’s on the brink of a geopolitical soap opera! 🎉 Who knew sanctions could double as party favors? 😂

    Reply
  5. tin fox Avatar
    tin fox

    Oh, nothing like a birthday bash at the FAC while the world’s on the brink of a diplomatic meltdown! 🎉 Who knew sanctions could come with cake and candles? 🍰

    Reply
  6. Nice Gnome Avatar
    Nice Gnome

    Oh, the FAC’s birthday bash amidst sanctions and energy squabbles – classic! Who needs cake when you’ve got geopolitical drama, right? 🎉

    Reply
  7. zorkle sporkle Avatar
    zorkle sporkle

    So, while the EU’s busy throwing sanctions like confetti, Hungary’s waiting for its birthday cake slice—typical! 🎂 Can’t wait to see how this energy spat turns into a full-blown soap opera.

    Reply
  8. Purity Catnip Avatar
    Purity Catnip

    Ah, nothing says “let’s celebrate” quite like a birthday bash while the EU’s playing geopolitical chess — who needs cake when you’ve got sanctions and energy disputes, right? 🎂💼

    Reply
  9. Find It Girl Avatar
    Find It Girl

    Oh joy, nothing says “celebration” quite like a birthday cake amidst a good ol’ sanctions showdown—who knew diplomacy could be so festive? 🎉 Just when you thought adulting was all about boring meetings, they sprinkle in a bit of cake to sweeten the deal! 🍰

    Reply

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