Czech PM writes to Fico, urging not to block Russia sanctions - media reports
Photo: Robert Fico, Prime Minister of Slovakia (Getty Images)
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala has sent a letter to his Slovak counterpart Robert Fico urging him not to block the European Union's 18th sanctions package against Russia due to its war against Ukraine, Radio Prague International reports.
In the letter, Fiala called for joint action against Russia's aggression toward Ukraine and reminded Slovakia of their shared historical experience of occupation by Moscow. The Czech Prime Minister emphasized that blocking the sanctions would only isolate Slovakia within the European community.
"We have a common interest in ensuring the safety of our citizens. Cooperation within the EU and NATO is a key condition," Fiala added.
The Czech Prime Minister also expressed hope that Bratislava, as the "closest partner," would reconsider its stance and help preserve the unity of the democratic world in the face of Russian aggression.
EU's 18th sanctions package against Russia
On June 10, the European Commission unveiled a new sanctions package targeting Russia. The measures are intended to hit the aggressor's revenues from energy, banking, and the military-industrial sector. However, shortly afterward, Budapest and Bratislava refused to support the sanctions package, citing concerns over losing access to cheap Russian oil and gas.
According to Slovakia's Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár, his country would withdraw its veto if the EU provided guarantees to mitigate the negative effects of moving away from Russian energy sources.
On July 9, EU ambassadors once again failed to reach an agreement on the new sanctions package due to Slovakia's continued blocking.
