France hopes for oil embargo deal

French Environment and Energy Minister Barbara Pompili expects EU countries to reach an agreement on the modalities of banning Russian oil imports by the end of the week. Some countries are more dependent on Russian oil than others, Pompili told France Info. “So we have to try to find solutions to get them on board with these sanctions.” She assumes this is possible. Meanwhile, the FPÖ called a referendum.

Austria has already declared that it fully supports the EU’s sixth package of sanctions against Russia. FPÖ President Herbert Kickl explained: “With the embargo measures against Russia, in which it participates without thinking about its own population, the government is on the path to destroying its own economy.” In view of the expected effects, such as massive further price increases and a further rise in inflation, Kickl called for mandatory referral to parliament and an immediate referendum. “Sanctions against Russia are sanctions against its own population. They pay the price for the sanctions policy and therefore have the right to decide whether to support it or not,” Kickl emphasized.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Wednesday that imports of Russian crude must be halted with a six-month transition period. The 27 member states have yet to approve the proposal. According to EU circles, Hungary and Slovakia should be able to obtain oil by the end of 2023 through an exemption.