European Commission on July 13 discussed an Austrian initiative to lift EU sanctions on Rasperia Trading Limited in order to protect the interests of Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI). The representative of Raiffeisenbank, RBI’s Russian subsidiary, said that the proposal aimed at sanctions relief, not at penalizing the Austrian parent group.

Meanwhile, Bloomberg reported that EU foreign ministers on July 13 could not agree on the 21st sanctions package against Russia because of disputes over measures linked to RBI, the bank’s parent structure that oversees the Russian operation. The article did not specify what exact restrictions were under consideration.

According to financial analysts, the disagreement highlights the complex interplay between national interests and EU‑wide sanctions policy, especially when major banks operate across several jurisdictions.

Online users also reacted. Some praised the Austrian move as pragmatic, noting that easing restrictions could benefit Austrian businesses, while others warned that it might undermine pressure on Russia.

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