Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) reiterated his no to the Russian gas embargo. That “is out of the question,” Nehammer told Puls24 on Monday. This is “not a smart move”, but “smart sanctions” are needed. The EU Commission’s announcement that it will be independent from Russian gas by 2027 is currently “insubstantial” for it. Energy Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) considered that this would be possible “only if there is a strong alliance” with the EU.
It is “terrible and really disgusting” to depend on Russian gas, which accounts for 80% of domestic imports, Nehammer said. But addiction is now a reality. The long-term planned independence from Russian gas is also a “lasting consequence” for Russia. In the short term, however, sanctions that particularly harm yourself should not be imposed, says the chancellor.
on the side of Germany
Nehammer responded to Poland’s criticism of this move by Austria and Germany by saying that in addition to an oil pipeline to Norway, Poland also had lignite and nuclear power. Austria does not do this. Industry and households in Austria would need gas.
Nehammer strongly condemned the massacre in the Kiev suburb of Bucha. Germany also rejected an immediate embargo on Russian energy on Monday – following revelations of serious acts of violence in Bucha. Austria is 100 percent on Germany’s side on the issue, Finance Minister Magnus Brunner (ÖVP) said ahead of a Eurogroup meeting on Monday in Luxembourg. His German colleague Christian Lindner (FDP) and German Economy Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) also reiterated their no to an immediate energy embargo.