Austria agreed to lift its objections to the EU’s 12th package of sanctions on Russia in return for the removal of the Raiffeisen group from Kyiv’s Ukrainian blacklist. The development was reported by Reuters, highlighting how Vienna’s stance had become a focal point in the broader sanctions discussion. Raiffeisen Bank International had been placed on the Ukrainian list of war sponsors due to its continued operations in Russia, a decision that drew significant political attention across the EU and beyond. [Reuters]
The decision to remove Raiffeisen from the blacklist came amid a broader debate about how to balance punitive measures with practical economic and political considerations within the EU’s unified approach to Russia. The Ukrainian designation had previously complicated Europe’s ability to push forward with the 12th package, and Vienna’s position had influenced the process even before the final summit that marked the close of the regional community’s 2023 deliberations. [EUobserver]
Reports indicate that the Austrian government previously opposed moving ahead with the 12th sanctions package, arguing that any new measures should be weighed carefully against the potential impact on regional stability and economic ties. The central issue cited was the inclusion of Raiffeisen in Kyiv’s blacklist, a move that Austria argued could complicate relations with a major European financial institution and its clients. The evolving situation reflected the delicate balance EU leaders sought to strike between signaling strong disapproval of Moscow’s actions and maintaining a cohesive, functioning internal market. [EUobserver]
On December 14, a Brussels summit brought together leaders and prime ministers from EU member states to discuss the roadmap for the next phase of sanctions policy. The following day, many attendees endorsed a final declaration that reportedly welcomed the adoption of the 12th sanctions package, even though the package had not yet reached final agreement. The episode underscored the complexity of coordinating sanctions across diverse economies and political perspectives within the bloc. [Reuters]
Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs signaled its reaction to the unfolding events, indicating that Moscow would monitor any further moves by the EU regarding sanctions and potential new measures. The statement reflected the ongoing tension between EU policymakers and Russian officials as they navigated a rapidly evolving sanctions landscape and continued to assess the broader impact on bilateral relations. [Reuters]