The European Commission will continue discussions with Ukraine regarding natural gas supplies, according to Reuters.

The European Commission will resume discussions with Ukraine regarding the supply of natural gas to Europe. Hungary and Slovakia will also be involved in the negotiations.

This information was reported by Reuters.

The statement was made to EU ambassadors on the morning of January 27, prior to a meeting of foreign ministers, where the continuation of sanctions against Russia, which need to be renewed every six months, will be discussed.

Hungary is stalling the renewal of the bloc's sanctions against Russia, which requires unanimous approval. The deadline is January 31.

Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated last week that the sanctions negatively impact Hungary's economy and emphasized that restoring gas supplies from Ukraine is essential for ensuring the bloc's energy security.

“The Commission is prepared to continue negotiations with Ukraine regarding supplies to Europe via the pipeline system on Ukrainian territory. The Commission is ready to involve Hungary in this process alongside Slovakia,” the statement reads.

Recall that Russian gas supplies through Ukraine were halted on January 1 after the transit contract expired. Slovakia and Hungary are insisting on EU intervention to restore gas flows through the pipeline.

Background. Earlier, Mind reported that Hungary agreed at the last moment to approve the extension of sanctions against Russia. Budapest will make concessions in exchange for a statement addressing its concerns regarding “energy security.”