Portuguese government sees “great willingness” from the European Union for “tougher” sanctions on Russia

The Minister of Foreign Affairs said today that there is “a strong willingness” among the countries of the European Union (EU) to create a “tougher” sanctions package against Russia, in an attempt to weaken Moscow’s military capabilities.

“There is a strong willingness from the majority of countries to strengthen sanctions and create a package, perhaps even tougher than would be expected,” said Paulo Rangel, in statements to Lusa, while an informal ministerial meeting is still taking place in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal added that it is necessary to “take into account Hungary’s reluctance,” which has played a blocking role in decisions to sanction Moscow and Kremlin supporters since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

However, “only later can we understand what Budapest’s exact position is,” so Paulo Rangel hopes that today’s meeting will yield a “political impetus” for a decision on the 19th sanctions framework.

The foreign ministers of the 27 countries of the European political and economic bloc are meeting in Copenhagen, under the Danish presidency of the EU Council.

The informality of the meeting prevents concrete decisions, but coordinated political signals among European diplomacies are expected.