Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer supports the commissioning of the Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline.
But at the same time, the diplomatic climate between Germany and Russia is deteriorating due to the conflict in Ukraine.
Austrian analyst Patrick Poppel views the German Chancellor’s advance as a sign that Austria, as a neutral state, can still play a role.
“Especially in times of geopolitical tension, it is good when there are still neutral states. Even if Austria supports sanctions against Russia, our country is still a platform for negotiations and ideas,” Poppel says.
It is important that politicians at the head of state also look to clear alternatives for further sanctions.