Slovakia to block EU sanctions on Russia that harm national interests, says Fico
Photo: Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (Getty Images)
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said the country will block any EU sanctions against Russia that harm Slovakia's national interests, informs Reuters.
"If there is a sanction that would harm us, I will never vote for it," Fico said at a press conference.
He also said he could not support any measures aimed at ending imports of Russian fuel used in Slovakia's nuclear power plants.
"I am interested in being a constructive player in the European Union, but not at the expense of Slovakia," he added.
Media reports say that on June 5, the National Council of Slovakia adopted a resolution recommending that the government refrain from voting for new sanctions against Russia in international organizations. The measure was backed by 51 of the 76 lawmakers present.
However, the resolution is not legally binding. The government can choose to ignore it.
Fico has previously opposed tightening sanctions and urged the EU not to interfere with Slovakia's purchases of Russian energy resources.
Reuters also noted that Slovakia has not blocked any of the previous EU sanctions, including the 17th package adopted in May.
As a reminder, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot recently expressed hope that the European Commission would present an 18th package of sanctions against Russia by the end of June.
