Austria against embargo on Russian gas imports

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Official Vienna opposes the introduction of an embargo on Russian gas imports, and Austrian Finance Minister Magnus Brunner said today ahead of the Eurogroup meeting in Luxembourg that Austria is fully in agreement with Germany and rejects an embargo on Russian gas.

Earlier, German Economy Minister Robert Habeck had spoken out against the urgent introduction of an embargo on energy imports from Russia.

"Sanctions are only useful if they do not affect the one imposing them," Brunner said.

He emphasized that it is necessary to keep a cool head, especially regarding the embargo on gas imports.

Brunner also said that Austria, like Germany, is very dependent on Russian gas.

In the medium term, he says, the goal is to reduce dependence on Russian gas as much as possible, but he adds that it is unrealistic for this to happen today or tomorrow.

He believes that instead, the list of individuals and organizations against whom sanctions are imposed should be expanded.

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg also spoke out against an embargo on Russian gas imports.

He said he was shocked by the photos from Bucha, adding that further sanctions against Russia are necessary.

"We are working urgently on a further package of sanctions, which will be adopted this week. There are still enough options for sanctions beyond a gas embargo," Schallenberg explained.