Slovakia to lift blockade of 18th sanctions package against Russia tomorrow – Fico
Photo: Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (Getty Images)
Slovakia will lift its blockade of the EU’s 18th sanctions package against Russia as early as tomorrow, July 18. However, immediately after that, the "second phase of the fight with the European Commission over Russian gas" will begin, according to Fico on Facebook.
"Despite enormous pressure, threats, and criticism, we forced the European Commission to pay attention to how the halt of Russian gas would affect Slovak households and the economy. We have undoubtedly succeeded in that. The tension on both sides of the fight was palpable. I believe it is right to say that we have overcome the first stage," said Fico.
According to him, Slovakia has received written guarantees from the European Commission, signed by its President Ursula von der Leyen, which "confirm commitments regarding gas prices, availability, transit fees, and the possibility of declaring an emergency if Russian gas is no longer available."
The Prime Minister emphasized that Slovakia is allegedly already spending 100 million euros to compensate for high energy prices.
"We have also received guarantees regarding possible arbitration disputes over the failure to fulfill contractual obligations with Gazprom, which are valid until 2034. In addition to the official letter, the Slovak government and the European Commission have agreed on unofficial guarantees as well," Fico added.
However, he stated that Slovakia will never support a proposal to stop Russian gas supplies starting in 2028.
According to the Slovak Prime Minister, it would now be counterproductive to continue blocking the EU’s 18th sanctions package against Russia. He noted that all negotiation options have been exhausted and that further obstruction would jeopardize Slovakia’s interests.
"I say this openly and responsibly. We must maintain our position in the EU and get through this 'dark period' in an international organization that we consider our vital space. Therefore, I have instructed our representatives in the EU to lift the blockade of the 18th sanctions package tomorrow. But immediately after that, the second phase of our fight with the European Commission over Russian gas will begin," Fico stressed.
Slovakia blocks EU sanctions against Russia
On June 10, the European Commission presented a new package of restrictions against Russia. The sanctions are intended to target Moscow’s revenues from energy, banking, and the military industry.
However, Slovakia, along with Hungary, refused to support the new sanctions package due to their reluctance 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 abandoning Russian energy sources.
Recently, Radio Free Europe correspondent Rikard Jozwiak reported that the new sanctions could be adopted soon, as an agreement with Slovakia had been reached.
Nevertheless, during the latest meeting, EU ambassadors once again failed to reach a consensus on the 18th sanctions package against Russia due to continued blocking by Slovakia.
