Slovakia blocks new EU sanctions on Russia, pushes for talks among leaders, reports say
Illustrative photo: Slovakia blocks new sanctions against Russia (GettyImages)
Slovakia wants the 19th package of EU sanctions against Russia to be approved at the leaders' summit in the second half of October, according to Radio Free Europe's European affairs editor Rikard Jozwiak.
The European Union has finally reached an agreement on restricting the movement of Russian diplomats after Hungary lifted its veto. According to him, the entire package of sanctions may not be adopted before the summit on October 23, as Slovakia wants to hold discussions at the highest level.
However, it is currently unknown what Slovakia's concerns are regarding the proposed package.
Sanctions against Russia
The European Union plans to impose tougher restrictions on Russia, which will affect three key areas. These are Russian energy, financial services, and trade.
On September 19, the European Commission proposed a 19th package of anti-Russian sanctions for discussion by European countries. These restrictions, in particular, provide for a complete ban on Russian gas imports to EU countries by January 1, 2027.
EU ambassadors may agree on new sanctions in the coming days.
However, the pro-Russian leaders of Hungary and Slovakia will try to block new restrictions against the Kremlin, so the European Commission has proposed a new voting scheme.
