Austria to Reassess Russian Gas Import Ban After War

Austrian State Secretary for Energy, Elisabeth Zehetner, communicated in Brussels the nation's stance regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its implications for energy imports. Following the end of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine, Austria advocates for keeping all options open concerning Europe's energy supply. Currently, the country supports and implements the planned ban on gas imports from Russia, which is seen as a necessary measure.

In a statement from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, it was emphasized that the proposed import ban serves as a clear message against Russia's military actions and underscores the importance of a unified European foreign and energy policy. However, the statement also highlighted that, in the long term, the European Union should maintain alternatives to reassess the situation once the conflict concludes, aiming to ensure a secure and cost-effective energy supply for the future.

To diversify its energy sources, Europe must reduce dependency on a limited number of countries, with developments in the Middle East also warranting careful attention. Most EU member states currently favor a permanent end to Russian gas imports, with only Hungary and Slovakia expressing support for resuming such imports after the conflict.

This afternoon, the European Commission is set to unveil its proposals for phasing out Russian gas. Austria has numerous unresolved questions regarding these proposals, such as whether necessary infrastructure will be operational by the end of 2027, the potential impact of an import ban on electricity and gas prices, how to ensure traceability of gas sources, and what options will remain for the EU after the conflict.

A definitive assessment of the REPowerEU roadmap will only be possible after reviewing the legislative proposals from the European Commission. Austrian Minister of Economic Affairs, Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, reiterated the importance of keeping options available for the post-war period. He noted that several countries have already expressed concerns for various reasons, including Spain, Belgium, France, Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria. Hattmannsdorfer emphasized the need to avoid dependencies and maintain flexibility regarding energy sources, especially if there is a shift in power dynamics in Russia.

While firmly supporting Ukraine, he stated that peace can only be achieved in consultation with Ukrainian authorities. Concurrently, ensuring stable energy prices remains a priority for Austria.