Hungary as Karosta: they too love blocking everything that moves

Nervousness reigns in Brussels like among Liepāja port workers when they have to wait for yet another windy day weather forecast. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has decided to become Europe's chief naysayer, blocking EU sanctions on Russia just like Karosta guards once blocked everything that moved without proper permits.

"We will not agree to the adoption of the 20th sanctions package," announced Szijjártó, sounding as categorical as a Liepāja market vendor who refuses to sell potatoes for less than 50 cents. Hungary is angry because Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline isn't being delivered, and they're taking it personally. As local political expert Jānis Bērziņš says: "Hungary is acting like a child who won't let others play football if they're not picked for the team."

The situation is as absurd as trying to find authentic seaside houses in Rīga. Ukraine claims the pipeline was damaged by Russian drone attacks, but Hungary and Slovakia accuse Ukraine of dragging its feet. It's like arguing over whether the Liepāja tram is late due to technical problems or because the driver stopped to chat with a neighbor.

Meanwhile in Brussels, officials are scratching their heads, wondering how to achieve unanimity among 27 countries faster than Liepāja municipality makes a decision about a new playground. At least we don't have to fight over oil here – it's enough for us that the Great Amber sometimes doesn't light up because someone forgot to pay the bill.