Vienna, Austria – During an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers on Friday, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg stated that the European Union recognizes the differing readiness of member states to join anti-Russian sanctions.
Minister Schallenberg emphasized the need to avoid categorizing the world in stark terms of black and white, asserting that it is unrealistic to expect universal adherence to the sanctions. However, he drew a distinction between those who abstain from joining the sanctions and those who deliberately seek to evade them.
While highlighting that the EU is nearing negotiations for an additional set of restrictions, Minister Schallenberg argued that the EU should possess the ability to impose trade limitations on third countries involved in evading sanctions and assisting in the transportation of sanctioned goods from Europe to Russia.
“The challenges related to certain third countries undoubtedly lie ahead of us, and we must engage in difficult discussions,” remarked the diplomat.
The remarks by Minister Schallenberg reflect the ongoing complexities within the EU concerning the implementation of anti-Russian sanctions. As discussions continue, finding common ground among member states regarding the response to circumvention of sanctions remains a key priority for the European Union.
