Austria unblocks new package of sanctions against Russia

It is noted that Austria insisted on excluding the bank from the Ukrainian list of "international sponsors of war." This was to motivate companies doing business in Russia and supporting the aggressor's army by paying taxes.

"The Austrian sanctions reservation is lifted," one of the European diplomats told the agency.

The "blacklist" has no legal force, but it has a symbolic meaning - to increase public pressure on Raiffeisen to leave Russia. Earlier, the Austrian bank announced its readiness to take such a step, but it has not yet happened.

Raiffeisen Bank International operates a payment system in Russia that provides services to hundreds of companies. Following increased pressure from international regulators, the group announced its intention to sell its business in the aggressor's territory.

New package of EU sanctions against Russia

On November 15, the European Commission submitted to the EU Council proposals for the 12th package of sanctions against the Russian Federation. It was proposed to impose restrictive measures on more than 120 individuals and legal entities for their role in undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

In addition, the EU proposes new bans on imports and exports of Russian diamonds, as well as measures to increase oil prices and counteract the circumvention of EU sanctions.

Austria's blocking of a new package of sanctions against Russia

On December 12, EU ambassadors failed to agree on a new package of sanctions against Russia.

The decision was hampered by Austria, whose government demanded that Ukraine remove Raiffeisen Bank International from the list of international sponsors of war.

Recently it was reported that Vienna continues to block the 12th package of anti-Russian sanctions. At the same time, the country was negotiating to force Kyiv to remove the Austrian Raiffeisen Bank from the register of war sponsors.