The perception of the sanctions policy in Hungary is unfavourable
The protracted armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the sanctions strategy of Brussels have led to an unprecedented wartime economic and energy crisis on the continent, for the solution of which, as an earlier analysis by Századvég pointed out, it would be essential to start peace talks as soon as possible. However, there are several indications that leaders in Brussels are not planning to review their sanctions-focused policy. In her annual address to the European Parliament on 14 September, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made it clear that the sanctions would remain in force and foreshadowed that the coming period would be difficult for European families and companies would have to take harder decisions.
At the same time, Brussels policy based on punitive measures is met with considerable rejection in Hungary. According to the research of Századvég,
more than two-thirds (68 percent) of Hungarians expressed an unfavourable opinion about the European Union's sanctions policy aimed at Russia,
and only 25 percent considered it favourable.
Brussels measures could lead to a severe recession caused by the sanctions
In recent months, it has been shown that Brussels sanctions actions have not helped to bring the Russian-Ukrainian war to an end as soon as possible and have also had counterproductive effects. Since the beginning of the war, energy prices have risen significantly, as a result of which Russia earned 158 billion euros by selling oil, natural gas and coal in the first six months of the armed conflict. The amount in question is likely to outweigh Russian military expenditures and facilitate further financing of the war.
At the same time, the sanctions implemented and planned have had tangible negative consequences for European citizens in everyday life across Europe, which is supported by the results of the survey. The research reveals that
79 percent of respondents believe that the sanctions imposed by Brussels on Russian energy carriers and the sanctions plans outlined play a decisive role in the sharp rise in fuel and energy prices and inflation.
It can also be stated that public opinion is anticipating a further deterioration in Europe's economic outlook if the policy of punitive measures continues. The survey reveals that
83 percent of those surveyed believe that Brussels sanctions and sanctions plans could lead to a severe economic downturn and recession in Europe by 2023,
while 13 percent say that this should not be expected.
Methodology
CATI method, n=1000, among the adult Hungarian population, data collection: September 2022
