And he stated in an interview with the global news agency Reuters, that the new punitive measures, which the European Commission is now finalizing, Among other things, the import of Russian gold will be banned, the list of dual-use products subject to the export ban will be expanded, that is, those that can be used for both military and civilian purposes, as well as the list of people subject to sanctions will be expanded.
as he said Brussels is expected to introduce the new sanctions in the coming daysMember states will then be able to approve it immediately.
“What is really problematic is the inclusion of energy companies in the sanctions list, because the rule that states that punitive measures must be taken into account on Russia should be taken into account more than their impact on the countries that export them,” Fiala stressed. He emphasized:
According to him, it is impossible to include Russian gas in the sanctions list.
“I think it should not even be included there, because many countries need Russian gas,” he said.
The Czech Republic holds the back-to-back presidency of the European Union from 1 July. It is one of the countries whose gas needs are covered almost entirely by Russia.
Fiala stressed that the Czechs are doing their best to reduce their energy dependence on Russia, but – in his words – “it will not happen this winter.”
Cover photo: Czech Prime Minister Peter Viala (b) welcomes Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, to Litomysl, Czech Republic, on July 1, 2021. On this day, the Czech Republic takes over the six-month Presidency of the Council of the European Union from France. Source: MTI / EPA / Martin Divisek
