Poland is demanding a European embargo on oil, gas and coal from Russia. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said his country would immediately unilaterally stop imports of Russian coal. All he needs is an assurance from the EU Commission that Poland will not be penalized because sanctions policy is an EU matter.
EU Council President Charles Michel, who spoke to journalists together with Morawiecki during a visit to Poland, expressed reservations about a possible embargo against Russian energy sources. First of all, the EU sanctions against Russia that have already been decided must be implemented. However, Michel did not rule out further punitive measures. Preparations are being made if further options are needed, said the head of the council.
Germany imports large quantities of coal and gas from Russia. An EU import ban would affect the supply in this country. So far, Poland has also been heavily dependent on Russian coal, because the country obtains the majority of its electricity and heating energy from fossil fuels.
Morawiecki still puts pressure on. Sanctions would have to be as far-reaching as possible to stop the Russian war machine, said the Prime Minister. “Part of the sanctions package should be a blockade on different types of hydrocarbons from Russia – oil, gas and coal. I call on the European Commission again to adopt an embargo on Russian coal.” He spoke to the Australian government about possible coal supplies from there.