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Austria Confident Despite End of Russian Gas Supplies
Austria confirms it can handle the end of Russian gas imports due to sufficient reserves and alternative supply sources, while maintaining its stance on the Ukraine conflict.
English
Germany
International RelationsRussia Ukraine WarGeopoliticsEuropean UnionEnergy SecurityRussia-Ukraine WarEnergy Crisis
GazpromOmvInternational Chamber Of Commerce
Karl NehammerLenore Gewessler
- What is the history of Austria's energy relationship with Russia?
- Austria's relationship with Russia regarding natural gas dates back to 1968, making it one of the first Western European countries to import Russian gas. This long-standing relationship ended due to an arbitration ruling and subsequent payment disputes.
- How does Austria plan to cope with the loss of its main gas supplier?
- Austria's gas storage facilities are full, and they have sufficient capacity to import gas from other regions. This ensures that the country will not face a gas shortage despite the halt in Russian deliveries.
- What is the main reason for the end of Russian gas deliveries to Austria?
- Austria's main gas supplier, Gazprom, will halt gas deliveries this weekend. However, Austria assures its citizens that gas supplies are secure due to sufficient reserves and alternative sources from Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands.
- What is Austria's stance on its Ukraine policy following this development?
- Despite the end of Russian gas deliveries, Austria affirms it will not alter its policy toward Ukraine and will not be swayed by Gazprom's actions, which it accuses of being politically motivated.
- Which other European countries are affected by the end of Russian gas transit through Ukraine?
- Only three EU countries, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary, continued importing Russian gas despite the war in Ukraine. However, Ukraine plans to halt gas transit through its pipelines after January 1, 2025, forcing these countries to find new suppliers.