German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed confidence that sooner or later a “good solution” to the crisis around the proposed EU embargo on Russian oil will be found. He pointed to the Russian operation in Ukraine, explaining that “the unity of Europe so far sends a good signal” about it.

“I am very confident that we will do this in the future,” he stressed upon arrival at the EU summit. He did not dwell on the details of a possible settlement, regarding differences and positions on Russia, but said that “the strength of the European Union lies in the joint solution of problems”, and stressed that he is fully convinced that “we can continue to discuss together a good solution today and tomorrow”, and believes that, in his opinion, negotiations are taking place “if there is a desire to reach an agreement”.

“No one can predict if this will actually be the case, but everything I hear seems to indicate that a consensus can be reached … and sooner or later a consensus will be reached,” Schultz added. There was controversy over whether a new round of sanctions should be imposed on the Russian oil industry, as Hungary led a campaign of objection.