Written by Lisa Murimi
Austria announced on Saturday that it will support the European Union’s latest sanctions package against Russia, reversing its earlier opposition and clearing a key obstacle ahead of a crucial vote scheduled for early next week.
EU foreign ministers are expected to meet on Monday in Luxembourg to finalize the bloc’s 19th sanctions package targeting Moscow for its ongoing war in Ukraine.
Earlier this month, Reuters reported that progress on the sanctions had been stalled after Austria insisted the EU unfreeze certain Russian assets to compensate Raiffeisen Bank International (RBIV.VI) for financial losses resulting from Russian-imposed penalties.
However, other EU member states refused to back Vienna’s demand, and the sanctions’ approval—requiring unanimous support from all 27 member states—remained in doubt.
In a statement on Saturday, Austria’s foreign ministry confirmed the shift, saying, “Austria supports continued pressure on Russia and will approve the 19th package of sanctions on Monday.”
The upcoming package includes new energy and financial restrictions, notably advancing a ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from January 1, 2028 to January 1, 2027.
While Slovakia has also expressed reservations about certain measures, four EU diplomats told Reuters that the European Commission is preparing a letter to address Bratislava’s concerns before Monday’s meeting.
Neither Slovakia’s foreign ministry nor the European Commission immediately responded to requests for comment.
The move marks a significant shift in Austria’s policy and is expected to bolster the EU’s united front as it seeks to tighten economic pressure on Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
