Fico orders continued block of 18th EU sanctions package against Russia
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (Getty Images)
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has instructed his ambassador in Brussels to continue blocking the 18th EU sanctions package against Russia, Fico said in a video address, the official text of which is available to European Pravda.
According to him, Slovakia will not vote in favor of the 18th EU sanctions package against Russia, which was scheduled for approval at the EU Committee of Permanent Representatives meeting in Brussels on July 11.
"We refuse to vote for the 18th sanctions package without prior conditions. Our support depends on addressing our concerns regarding gas prices, supply security, and compensation for the losses we will incur due to the cessation of Russian gas deliveries starting January 1, 2028," Fico stated.
He added that the disputed issues with the European Commission "have not yet been resolved."
"Our ambassador in Brussels was again instructed yesterday not to support the 18th sanctions package," the Slovak prime minister stated.
He emphasized that he cannot allow "senseless ideological gestures such as cutting off Russian gas supplies to cause serious harm to our country."
At the same time, the Slovak prime minister noted that negotiations with the European Commission are ongoing and showing positive progress.
"I must acknowledge that the Commission is making efforts to find a solution for Slovakia. On some open issues, we are close to an agreement, on others we are still far apart. I sincerely hope for a swift agreement with the Commission that will lead to a revision of its proposal for a gradual phase-out of Russian gas in a way that protects Slovakia from the worst possible consequences," Fico said.
Slovakia blocks EU sanctions against Russia
On June 10, the European Commission presented a new package of restrictions against Russia. The sanctions aim to target Moscow's revenues from energy, banking, and the military-industrial sector.
However, Slovakia, along with Hungary, refused to support the new sanctions package due to their unwillingness to give up access to cheap Russian oil and gas.
Later, Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár stated that Bratislava would lift its veto if the EU provided guarantees to mitigate the negative consequences of phasing out Russian energy sources.
Recently, Radio Free Europe correspondent Rikard Jozwiak reported that the new sanctions might be adopted soon, as an agreement with Slovakia had reportedly been reached.
Nevertheless, during yesterday's meeting, EU ambassadors once again failed to reach consensus on the 18th sanctions package against Russia due to continued blocking by Slovakia.
