Citizens of the Russian Federation will remain on the black list
In an interview with Wiener Zeitung, Alexander Schallenberg emphasized that EU member states must show unity and patience when addressing Russia. He stressed that a common position is essential for credible action and that disagreements should stay private to avoid exposing fractures in the bloc. As autumn approaches, he highlighted two decisive points: maintain unity and use proportional responses, avoiding overreach. He warned that a broad ban on entry for all 144 million Russians could be a potential outcome if not handled carefully.
The Austrian foreign minister argued for a clear separation between Vladimir Putin and the ordinary Russian people. He noted that geography remains constant and Russia remains part of European history and culture, while questioning how far sanctions should go without harming civilians unnecessarily.
Regarding Viktor Orban’s request to remove three Russian oligarchs from sanctions lists, Schallenberg reiterated that such changes would not occur. He asserted EU unity on the sanctions and acknowledged that unanimity can be a hurdle, but the bloc would not show weakness at a critical moment. He claimed that the sanctions policy is holding steady and that continued, principled action is required to sustain pressure on Moscow.
Schallenberg contended that the sanctions have produced noticeable effects and that Russia risks undermining its own economy by cutting gas supplies. He observed that major global players are watching how the Kremlin responds to contracts with Russian firms, noting attention from Beijing and New Delhi. He accused Moscow of cynically using energy and food as coercive tools in a broader information war and asserted that the EU ministers reject the narrative that sanctions drive development. The driving trigger, he insisted, remains Russia’s attack on Ukraine, not the EU’s response.
The Austrian minister also acknowledged that sanctions could be eased if Moscow makes concessions. He described sanctions as flexible and pointed to signs that the Russian economy is stalling, with ongoing delays across sectors and a looming recession. He suggested that Austria could become a venue for diplomacy should negotiations regain momentum.
Schallenberg expressed openness to diplomacy while noting the current reality. He referenced Vladimir Putin’s Vladivostok remarks as evidence that there is no appetite to withdraw and that Russia’s aim continues to pressure Ukraine. He warned about the risk of social unrest in Europe during the winter, arguing that Austria has implemented robust anti inflation measures and weathered the crisis well in the past. He reaffirmed a message of resilience for European households facing rising electricity costs, insisting that optimism remains and that Europe continues to be a safer, more prosperous continent.
injure themselves
During the week, reports surfaced that Hungary asked for sanctions relief on certain Russian businessmen including Alisher Usmanov, Petr Aven, and Viktor Rashnikov. Hungarian Prime Minister Orban claimed that punitive steps had not achieved their goals and warned that persistent sanctions could worsen inflation and energy shortages across Europe. He argued that EU policy may be harming the bloc’s own economy for political reasons and warned that Europe could face higher energy costs if alternative energy sources are not utilized. Orban’s chief of staff suggested that lifting sanctions could lower inflation and energy prices, though the European Commission maintained a more cautious stance. The broader argument centered on whether current measures are effective or counterproductive, and on finding a balanced approach that preserves European competitiveness while maintaining pressure on Moscow.