Bratislava – Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) stated on Wednesday that Slovakia will support anti-Russian sanctions as long as they do not jeopardize the nation’s interests, maintaining alignment with the European Union (EU). He asserted that if sanctions pose a threat, Slovakia has the right to reject them. His comments respond to criticism from coalition chairman Andrej Danko regarding the approval of the 17th sanctions package against Russia, as reported by TASR.
Fico emphasized that the government will take time to clarify this stance to its coalition partners.
“If the sanctions do not threaten our national interests, we will act in unity with the EU. However, we will veto any sanctions that may endanger the Slovak Republic’s interests,” the Prime Minister declared.
Danko criticized the recent vote by Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs, Juraj Blanár (Smer-SD), who supported the latest sanctions package against Russia. He argued that these measures isolate the EU, diminish its competitiveness, and harm the euro’s value. Danko plans to urge the Prime Minister to reassess the mandate of the foreign minister. (May 28)
“If there are sanctions that do not threaten our own interests, then we proceed within the unity of the European Union. But at the same time, we say that if there are sanctions that could lead to a threat to the national interests of the Slovak Republic, we will veto them.” Robert Fico
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