POSITION OF EU COUNTRIES ON BAN OF RUSSIAN ENERGY IMPORTS

IN FAVOUR

1. Poland: Staunchest supporter of all-out sanctions against Russia
2. Slovakia: Support of an EU ban on all Russian commodities, including oil and natural gas
3. Lithuania: Willing to stop oil and gas imports from Russia
4. Latvia: Calls for a ban on Russian energy imports

OPEN

1. France: Ready to impose energy sanctions on Russia
2. Spain: Supporter of energy sanctions against Russia but it does not make it a top political priority. Spain will support any measure taken in coordination with the EU, including a ban on exports from Russia of oil and gas, if necessary.
3. Finland: Calls for the EU to halt fossil fuel imports from Russia as soon as possible, but does not explicitly back an EU import ban at this stage.

OPPOSED

1. Germany: Adamantly against any sanctions on Russian energy because this would endanger “social peace” in the country and pose a “real danger of energy undersupply in certain sectors”. Leading opposition figures have spoken out in favour of a ban.
2. Hungary: Oppose energy sanctions at the EU level. Hungary imports most of its oil and gas from Russia.
3. Bulgaria: Government supports sanctions on Russia but will seek an exception from a potential energy import ban.

ON THE FENCE

1. Italy:  No support or opposition to energy sanctions but insisting on the need for EU unity in dealing with the consequences of the Ukraine war. However, should the EU propose a ban on Russian oil, Italy will probably endorse it.
2. Portugal: Portugal expresses doubts about a potential ban on Russian energy but does not rule out the possibility completely either.
3. Czech Republic: The government has not adopted a clear position over a potential EU ban on energy imports from Russia. Agrees that the EU has to decrease its dependency on Russian fossil fuels imports but does not support an import ban. However, the ruling ODS party supports a ban on gas imports.
4. Greece: Greece believes it is not realistic to ban energy imports from Russia but that Europe should be prepared if Moscow moves ahead and decides to turn off the tap.
5. Slovenia: The government has made no public statements about banning energy imports from Russia.
6. Romania: Neither the government nor President have spoken about a ban on Russian energy. However, they are nevertheless calling on the EU to end its dependence on Russian gas.