OREANDA-NEWS  The European Union is considering the possibility of taking further action against Hungary due to its position on anti-Russian measures. According to reports from the Financial Times, the EU may consider applying Article 7 of the Treaty of the European Union to Budapest, a drastic measure that could result in Hungary losing its voting rights within the bloc.

The Financial Times notes that Brussels is aware of the potential political consequences of this step, but emphasizes that the risk of Hungary losing its voice in the EU would increase if it continues to refuse to support economic sanctions against Russia.

Earlier, it became known that the Hungarian authorities have threatened to block the extension of EU sanctions against two thousand Russians (which requires unanimous approval from all member states) unless businessman Mikhail Fridman is removed from the list. The restrictions are set to expire on March 15th, and the EU's permanent representatives continue discussions following several unsuccessful attempts to reach a consensus.