Can EU make deal with Slovakia on Russia's 18th sanctions package, sources explain
Photo: Robert Fico, Prime Minister of Slovakia (Getty Images)
The European Union will likely be able to persuade Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to support the 18th package of sanctions against Russia due to its war against Ukraine, during July, RBC-Ukraine reports, citing sources in the EU.
On June 26, Fico claimed that he would block the new EU sanctions package against Russia until the issue of energy security is resolved, since Slovakia opposes the union's plans to completely stop purchasing Russian energy resources by 2027.
According to the Prime Minister of Slovakia, the new sanctions restrictions will allegedly lead to disruptions in energy supplies, as well as rising prices. In addition, Bratislava is alarmed by possible arbitration claims amounting to up to 20 billion euros due to the termination of the contract with the Russian gas monopoly Gazprom.
Sanctions against Russia
After the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Western countries, in particular the EU, the USA, the UK, and other partners, imposed large-scale sanctions against Russia. The restrictions affected the financial system, energy sector, defense industry, and technology exports.
On June 10, the European Commission presented the 18th package of sanctions against Russia, aimed at reducing Moscow's revenues from energy sales, as well as targeting Russian banks and the defense sector.
After that, Fico stated that Slovakia would not support new restrictions until the European Commission proposes a solution that would allow "avoiding economic losses" for Bratislava in the event of the EU's gradual refusal of Russian energy resources.
