Austrian FPÖ politician urges Austria to halt EU payments fueling war
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Austria's FPO Party says the war in Ukraine must not be fueled, and Austria must play a role in peacebuilding instead of prolonging the war.
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The Austrian flag is raised during an official visit from the. Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid in Vienna, Austria, Wednesday, May 26, 2021. (AP)
The EU's intent to raise budget contributions from member states in order to continue funding the protracted war in Ukraine against Russia is an egregious policy, according to Petra Strager, from Austria's FPO party.
Petra Steger, Austria's FPO Party spokesperson on European affairs, alongside a number of party politicians, has criticized the pro-war position of the Austrian government. According to Steger, the EU must not support the prolonged war in Ukraine, much less fuel the war by endlessly providing military and financial assistance to Kiev.
Instead, Austria must be promoting peace, Steger argued, slamming EU chief Josep Borrell's suggestion to supply Ukraine with an additional €5 billion per year, as well as a large-scale contribution to ensure the continued military training program for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The FPÖ spokesperson dubbed Borrell's plan as a “bottomless pit,” urging the Austrian government to halt any further payment aimed at fueling the war in Ukraine.
Austrian company says remains committed buying Russian gas
Austrian oil and gas company OMV announced, on July 9, its intention to continue buying from Russian energy giant Gazprom, even after securing alternative contracts from other sources to fulfill Austria's import needs, Sputnik reported citing OMV Group CEO, Alfred Stern.
CEO Alfred Stern confirmed that OMV will continue to honor its long-term agreement with Gazprom, citing legal obligations and the potential for price increases if certain sources are eliminated.
"As long as Gazprom will supply … we will continue to take these quantities from Gazprom … There is an obligation we have as an industrial company to ensure that we use those sources as long as they are legally acceptable," Stern told the Financial Times newspaper.
The question of potential Western sanctions on Russian gas, Stern argued, is a matter for policymakers to decide. However, he cautioned that restricting certain sources could lead to price hikes.
The CEO's remarks highlight OMV's commitment to the long-term supply contract with Gazprom, which was extended until 2040 in 2018.
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