EU diplomat Martin Selmayr has described Austria's gas payments to Russia as "blood money" The government in Vienna reacts angrily and the EU Commission in Brussels is also demanding answers. SelmayR will be summoned to a meeting in the Foreign Ministry in Vienna. The fierce criticism of Austria's dependence on Russian gas is also causing irritation in Brussels. The EU Commission distanced itself from the statements. These were "regrettable and inappropriate," said a spokeswoman for the institution in the evening. The government plans to do without Russian gas by 2027.