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6d ago

Austria Backs EU’s 19th Russia Sanctions Package

The shift clears a key hurdle before Monday’s Luxembourg meeting of EU foreign ministers.

Plastic letters arranged to read "Sanctions" are placed in front of EU and Russia's flag colors in this illustration taken February 25, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration
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Overview

  • Austria’s foreign ministry said it will approve the package at Monday’s meeting, reversing its earlier stance.
  • Adoption requires unanimous support from all 27 EU member states.
  • The draft includes energy and financial measures, with a ban on Russian liquefied natural gas starting January 1, 2027 after being moved up from 2028.
  • Slovakia has voiced reservations, and four EU diplomats said the European Commission is expected to send a letter to address those concerns.
  • The proposal had been stalled after Austria sought the unfreezing of some Russian assets to compensate Raiffeisen Bank International.