Hungary wants the European Union to persuade Ukraine to resume gas transit from Russia to Europe, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Friday, signalling a tough debate as the EU seeks to extend its sanctions against Russia over the coming week.

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on Friday said he wants the European Union to intervene in a gas dispute his country has with Ukraine, a potential sign of friction in the bloc's upcoming discussions over renewing sanctions against Russia.

The fate of the European Union’s sanctions against Russia were thrown into limbo after a top Hungarian official called for a “debate” and signaled their renewal by the end of the month shouldn’t be automatic.

In Hungary, €38 million will be implemented for technical assistance through the Operational Programme Plus, of which the EU will contribute some €31.47 million

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks during a conference reviewing Hungary European Union presidency in Bu

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has urged the European Union to intervene in Hungary's gas dispute with Ukraine. He blames EU sanctions on Russia for raising energy prices and costing Hungary billions.

Hungary has continued to keep other EU members states on their toes about whether it will support a routine extension of the bloc’s sanctions against Russia. Today, Budapest could finally show its cards when EU ambassadors meet to discuss the review, write Paola Tamma and Marton Dunai.

The meeting between Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fitzo and his Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orban, which took place in Bratislava on January 21, was aimed, among other things, at agreeing on a common position regarding the upcoming vote by EU countries on extending anti-Russian sanctions,

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Friday threatened to block the renewal of EU sanctions on Russia, linking his support to efforts to reopen a gas pipeline across Ukraine to Central Europe.

Much of what happens in the EU in 2025 will hinge on the incoming U.S. presidency of Donald Trump. Speaking to EU officials over the last few weeks, they all seem to be waiting for his inauguration on January 20 to see what challenges his new administration might bring.

Hungary's government has adopted Hungary's space strategy, including the Hungarian in Orbit (HUNOR) program, designed to act as a catalyst for scientific achievements.