EU Weighs Legal Maneuver to Extend Russia Sanctions Funding, Secure Belgium’s Support
Brussels – The European Commission is exploring a novel legal interpretation of Article 122 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to potentially bypass Hungary’s potential veto and extend crucial sanctions funding related to Russia, according to diplomats briefed on ongoing discussions. The move comes as a deadline looms to secure continued financial aid for Ukraine, with funds expected to run dry in april.
The commission argues the economic consequences of reversing current sanctions against Russia would be so severe as to justify shifting from the current unanimity requirement for renewing sanctions to a qualified majority vote. This would effectively neutralize Hungary’s ability to block the roll-over of frozen Russian assets earmarked to support Ukraine. One diplomat revealed the strategy is also aimed at “securing Belgium’s backing” for the plan.
EU legal counsel reportedly agrees that the broad language within Article 122 – which allows measures “appropriate to the economic situation” – can be leveraged to overhaul voting procedures. Beyond simply extending the sanctions, the Commission is also considering a proposal to lengthen the renewal timeframe from the current six months to three years, streamlining the process and reducing the frequency of potential veto threats.
failure to reach an agreement risks leaving Ukraine critically underfunded as it continues to defend against Russian forces. The alternative, as outlined by diplomats, would be to place the financial burden of the war directly on EU taxpayers, while billions of dollars in sanctioned Russian assets remain inaccessible. The Commission’s proposal represents a high-stakes gamble to maintain both pressure on Moscow and continued support for Kyiv.