Austria to back EU's new Russia sanctions, clearing hurdle

Plastic letters arranged to read "Sanctions" are placed in front of EU and Russia's flag colors in this illustration taken February 25, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

FRANKFURT/BRUSSELS (Reuters) -Austria said on Saturday that it would agree to the European Union's latest sanctions package against Russia, in an about-face of its earlier stance and removing a key hurdle ahead of a vote early next week.

EU foreign ministers are due to convene on Monday in Luxembourg when they hope to finalise the bloc's 19th sanctions package against Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine.