French President Emmanuel Macron invited people to a special summit on Ukraine on Monday to send a signal against “Ukrainian fatigue”. Karl Nehammer follows the call from Paris and will participate in the meeting. But Austria’s role in the conflict is already coming into focus, including strong criticism of the chancellor.
“The purpose of the summit is to assess the current situation and hold strategic discussions on how to proceed with Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine,” the Federal Chancellery said.
In addition to the other EU countries, the US, Canada, Norway and Great Britain have also been invited. Nehammer will travel to Paris to present the Austrian position and thus “with a strong voice” represent the perspective of a neutral state.
Criticism of Austria and Nehammer
Austria’s role has been repeatedly criticized internationally. In particular, the billions in gas payments to the Russian regime are repeatedly branded as ‘blood money’. Ukraine expert and journalist Paul Ronzheimer is working on Nehammer accordingly.
No one in Europe would have forgotten “what an embarrassing trip to Moscow to see Putin, the Austrian Chancellor wanted to make a scene for himself two years ago.” Nehammer is said to have been used for “Russian propaganda” at the expense of Ukraine. “No one needs any advice from him,” Ronzheimer said in response to Nehammer’s announcement.
NEOS calls for a phase-out of gas
In Austria, the NEOS in particular criticize Russia’s energy dependence. On Sunday, party leader Beate Meinl-Reisinger again urged the adoption of a new security strategy and the exit from Russian gas.
Austrians pay a relatively high amount per kilowatt hour:
In the latter case, the government must finally “put the gas supply contracts between OMV and Russia’s Gazprom on the table,” Meinl-Reisinger demanded in the ORF press hour. In addition, a law is needed that creates the basis for terminating contracts.
“In Austria people pay four times as much for gas as in other countries,” argued the NEOS boss, who sees an “obligation on the part of the government” to “create clarity about what is in the contract.” Research by ‘Krone’ also shows that domestic end consumers are currently paying extra.
It is ‘understandable’ that OMV does not cancel the contracts, but that the government does not. Meinl-Reisinger does not see any risk for end customers if they opt out.
Meinl-Reisinger wants to discuss neutrality
Meinl-Reisinger also wants to discuss neutrality ‘openly and honestly’. This has already changed as a result of joining the EU. “We are obliged to provide assistance.” A good security strategy is needed, which will be negotiated in parliament – also with the FPÖ. If the NEOS has its way, citizens must also be involved in the process, for example in a citizens’ meeting. “It’s just fair to say we need to have a debate about what we mean by that.”
In a broadcast on Sunday, SPÖ energy spokesman Alois Schroll also criticized the government’s inadequate measures to reduce dependence on Russian gas and called for decisive steps. “It is unacceptable that Minister Gewessler is only now taking action, after two years of conflict in Ukraine.”
Austria as “useful idiot”?
Last year, the business magazine ‘Economist’ described Austria as one of Vladimir Putin’s main accomplices due to its close ties with Russia. Literally: “useful idiot”. While other EU countries are now independent of Russian gas, according to the latest data (December), Austria received almost all its gas imports (98 percent) from Russia.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
