Bratislava – Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) informed European Council President Antonio Costa about the National Council of Slovakia’s recent decision regarding EU anti-Russian sanctions. The parliament’s resolution urges the Slovak government not to endorse sanctions at the international level that could harm the nation’s interests. Fico announced this development on social media on Thursday, according to TASR.
“Today, I had a scheduled discussion with President Costa concerning the upcoming EU summit on June 26. I began by updating him on a petition campaign in Slovakia for a referendum on anti-Russian sanctions, as well as the recent parliamentary decision,” Fico stated.
He also conveyed his intention to resist the European Commission’s proposal to entirely stop the supply of gas, oil, and nuclear fuel from Russia to EU countries. Fico argued that such a measure would severely undermine the EU’s overall competitiveness and create nearly insurmountable challenges for certain member states.
During his conversation with Costa, Fico expressed that the European Commission’s initiative contradicts the political framework established by the European Council in its Versailles Declaration.
“The Versailles Declaration permits a reduction of dependence on Russia, but it does not advocate for a complete cessation of energy supplies. I believe the European Commission is pursuing an ideological agenda without comprehensive analyses of its impact on competitiveness and energy prices in Europe, or the significant risks it poses to certain EU nations, notably Slovakia and Hungary,” Fico emphasized.
He also urged Costa to include strong messages for peace and clear EU demands for a ceasefire in Ukraine in the Council’s conclusions on June 26. Fico stressed that the EU should primarily serve as a peace initiative and, alongside necessary support for Ukraine, focus considerable energy on achieving peace. Accordingly, the Slovak government will contribute relevant proposals to the draft conclusions of the European Council, the Prime Minister added. (June 5)
“The Versailles Declaration allows for reducing dependence on Russia, but not for completely halting energy supplies. In my opinion, the European Commission is embarking on an ideological adventure for which there are no impact analyses on competitiveness and energy price developments in Europe.” Robert Fico
Prime Minister.
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