2023-09-08 14:11:02
Brussels/Vienna. The EU Commission distanced itself from its representative in Vienna, Martin Selmayr, after he harshly criticized Austria’s multi-billion-euro gas payments to Russia. In the statement made by Dana Spinant, Deputy Chief Spokesperson of the EU Commission, on Thursday, „The Commission distances itself from the deplorable and inappropriate statements made by the head of the representative office in Austria“ It was said. In the continuation of the EU Commission statement, the Commission said that Selmayr “to report immediately to Brussels regarding the incident” It was stated that he wanted
On the other hand, the Spokesperson of Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) made a statement to APA on Thursday: „Mr Selmayr was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to meet with the Secretary General“ said. Ministry Spokesperson „This meeting will take place immediately after Selmayr’s return to Austria“ said.
European Minister Karoline Edtstadler (ÖVP) also commented on Selmayr’s statements. “unserious and inefficient” ve „completely one-sided“ He criticized with his words. Edtstadler, „It is regrettable that even an EU official does not seem to know some facts. Although Austria has significantly reduced its dependence on Russian gas and taken significant measures to ensure security of supply for the public, Russian LNG (liquefied natural gas) quantities are increasing within the EU – i.e. by 40 percent compared to the same period the previous year.” made the statement.
The representative of the EU Commission was previously summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs due to the statements he made. Payments made by Selmayr Austria „blood money“ He described it as. FPÖ even demanded Selmayr’s dismissal.
“Blood money is sent to Russia with gas bills every day”
Selmayr at a discussion event at the Viennacontemporary art fair „Oh my God, 55 percent of Austria’s gas continues to come from Russia“ said. He said Austria was thus financing Vladimir Putin’s war and no one was protesting this on Vienna’s Ringstrasse. „This surprises me, because every day blood money is sent to Russia with the gas bill“ Criticizing Selmayr, he added that he understood the energy problems, but Austria was a rich country and could do without Russian gas like other states.
The harshest reaction to Selmayr’s words came from the FPÖ. FPÖ Secretary General Michael Schnedlitz, „At least Chancellor Nehammer of the ÖVP can demand the Commission to dismiss Selmayr immediately! Selmayr can book your “one-way ticket” to Brussels online today! he wrote.
Neos and the Greens also agree with Selmayr
Meanwhile, Selmayr received approval from Vice-Chancellor Werner Kogler (Greens). Regarding the “blood money” allegation in his interview with Pulse 24, Kogler said that he agreed with Selmayr on this issue and that he also „similar language“ He emphasized that he had chosen one, but that he was not a diplomat.
Neos wing too „Austria, with its high dependence on Russian gas, supports Putin’s war every day.” He explained that they agreed with Selmayr with his words. Neos’ Energy Spokesperson Karin Doppelbauer said in her statement that this fact cannot be ignored, on the contrary it should be openly expressed and criticized. Doppelbauer „it is a matter of security policy because this high dependence makes the country open to blackmail“ told. (yenivatan.at)
#Harsh #reaction #Commission #representative #Selmayrs #criticism #blood #money #called #ministry