The European Commission on Wednesday
warned Eni that paying for Russian gas in roubles would breach
the sanctions imposed on Moscow following its invasion of
Ukraine after the Italian energy giant opened two accounts with
Gazprombank, one in roubles.
"Paying in roubles means breaking the sanctions," European
Commission Vice-President Frans Timmermans told a news
conference.
"It is also a breach of the stipulated contracts, which say what
currency to pay in.
"The contracts say euros or dollars, never roubles".
ENI said the decision to open the new accounts had been made in
agreement with Italian institutions and respecting international
sanctions, saying gas payments will continue to be in euros.
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