(ANSA) - ROME, MAY 18 - 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.

(ANSA).