Slovakia blocks EU's 19th sanctions package against Russia, reports say
Illustrative photo: Slovakia again blocks sanctions against Russia (Getty Images)
During discussions on a new, 19th package of sanctions against Russia, Slovakia blocked restrictions planned by the European Union, according to Radio Liberty journalist Rikard Jozwiak.
During discussions on a new, 19th package of sanctions against Russia, Slovakia blocked restrictions planned by the European Union, according to Radio Liberty journalist Rikard Jozwiak.
According to him, the ambassadors of the European Union member states discussed the sanctions package for the first time today. However, Slovakia immediately announced that it would block it.
"EU ambassadors discussed the Russia sanctions package for the first time today. Likely won’t be green light ahead of the Copenhagen summits next week. Slovakia blocking so far," Jozwiak concludes.
On September 19, the European Commission presented the 19th package of sanctions against Russia for discussion by EU member states. Among other things, it stipulates the refusal of Russian gas until January 1, 2027.
The rejection of Russian energy resources is the main condition set by US President Donald Trump. Only in this case does he promise new US sanctions against Russia.
Realizing that pro-Russian Hungary and Slovakia will try to block the new sanctions, the European Commission has proposed that new sanctions against Russia be approved by a majority vote of EU member states, rather than by the traditional unanimous approval. So far, this workaround only applies to Hungary.
