In a controversial move, Hungary has once again used its veto power to disrupt the European Union's foreign policy, this time blocking a joint statement condemning Russia's ban on 81 European media outlets. Among those blacklisted by the Kremlin are high-profile names like Germany's Der Spiegel, France's Le Monde, and Italy's RAI.
The blocked outlets span across Europe, including Austria's ORF, Ireland's RTE, Spain's El País and El Mundo, Portugal's Público, Finland's YLE, and even Hungary's independent 444 news portal. These media entities are now barred from broadcasting and online platforms in Russia.
Brussels intended to issue a collective rebuke to Russia's actions, requiring unanimous agreement from all 27 member states. However, Hungary's veto forced Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy chief, to release a solo statement. Borrell criticized the "totally unfounded" ban, stating it further limits access to free and independent information and intensifies media censorship in Russia. "This decision further restricts access to free and independent information and expands the already severe media censorship in Russia," Borrell said in a statement on June 26. Borrell said the European media outlets "give factual information, also to Russian audiences, including on Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine." He affirmed that EU sanctions on Russian outlets would remain, emphasizing that these are state-controlled entities supporting the war against Ukraine.
Moscow has stated that these restrictions could be lifted if the EU retracts its recent sanctions on Russian outlets like RIA Novosti, Izvestia, and Rossiyskaya Gazeta, which are accused of spreading pro-war propaganda. These sanctions also impacted the Dutch-based Voice of Europe, involved in the so-called Russiagate.
Hungary's veto adds to its long list of diplomatic blockades, frustrating many in Brussels. Budapest continues to obstruct €6.6 billion in military support for Ukraine, despite repeated pleas. Earlier this year, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stirred controversy by congratulating Vladimir Putin on his "re-election," a move unacknowledged by other EU members.
This latest action comes just ahead of Hungary assuming the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU on July 1, a role that will allow it to influence the EU's political agenda and mediate discussions among member states.


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