Hungary Pledges to Veto EU Sanctions on Georgia

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has pledged to veto any EU sanctions against Georgian officials, particularly in light of their recent crackdown on protests. He criticized the EU's potential sanctions as 'nonsensical and uncalled for', asserting that Hungary fully supports Georgia's sovereignty and democratic choices following their recent elections. Szijjarto accused the EU and liberal elites of dismissing the will of the Georgian people, claiming that had the opposition won, the EU would be celebrating Georgian democracy. Amid rising tensions, over 400 people have been arrested in Georgia during protests against Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's announcement to halt EU accession talks until 2028. The EU has expressed concerns about democratic backsliding in Georgia, with discussions of further sanctions looming. Szijjarto emphasized Hungary's commitment to support Georgia's European integration despite Brussels' approach, which he described as harmful and misguided.