Reference News Network, October 19 - According to the German news television channel website on October 18, Austria no longer blocks the EU's 19th round of sanctions against Russia. The Austrian Foreign Ministry stated that the country will approve the relevant plan on the 20th. The draft from the European Commission requires the unanimous consent of all 27 member states. With Austria's participation, the draft has overcome an important obstacle.
According to the report, Vienna had previously requested the EU to transfer the frozen assets of Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, which were held in Austria, to the Austrian bank AOC International to compensate for the losses suffered by the latter due to Russian penalties.
However, this request was rejected by several EU member states. It is currently unclear whether the matter has been clarified.
The latest EU sanctions package includes a series of measures targeting the Russian energy and financial sectors, such as a ban on importing Russian liquefied natural gas starting from early 2027, and restrictions on the freedom of movement of Russian diplomats within the EU.
According to the EU foreign affairs department's recommendation, Russian diplomats stationed in EU countries will have to declare their travel plans if they wish to visit other EU member states, and national governments can also refuse their entry.
EU foreign ministers plan to hold a meeting in Luxembourg on the 20th to finalize the new sanctions package. Russia announced that if the EU implements the sanctions, it will take corresponding measures. Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson for the Russian president, did not disclose specific details but accused Europeans of "building new barriers." (Translated by Zhong Sirui)
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7562852603428667930/
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