President Pellegrini confident that Slovakia will endorse the 18th EU sanctions package.

Bratislava – Slovak President Peter Pellegrini believes Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) has established appropriate conditions for potential backing of the 18th package of European Union (EU) sanctions against Russia. He expects a resolution to the situation soon. Pellegrini stated that the European Commission would need to pay increased attention to Slovakia, ultimately leading to support for the sanctions package, as he mentioned during the Sunday show TA3 V politike, according to TASR.

“The Prime Minister has set the conditions correctly, indicating he would support the 18th sanctions package if he receives guarantees concerning our energy security or gas prices. (…) I see this more as the Prime Minister leveraging the negotiations on the 18th package to secure advantages for Slovakia,” he remarked, adding that he refrains from criticizing Fico in this context. He emphasized that Slovakia has not impeded the adoption of any sanctions package thus far.

On the NATO summit outcomes in The Hague, Pellegrini noted that nations are expected to ramp up defense spending to five percent of GDP by 2035, extending the timeline from five to ten years. He stressed the importance of taking into account the global arms industry capacity. He expressed a desire for global leaders to prioritize achieving peace in Ukraine and other regions promptly, stating, “So that we do not have to enforce peace through increased military activity.”

The Prime Minister’s remarks on neutrality, he noted, gained attention only during their announcement. Pellegrini asserted that no one challenged him on this matter at the summit.

“Slovakia sat at the table as a full NATO member,” he stated. He acknowledged that such discussions might lead investors to assess Slovakia with skepticism, stressing the need for careful handling of these topics.

“Currently, it is not an issue. Slovakia is a full member of the EU and NATO, and I firmly believe that this will remain unchanged for a long time,” he added.

Pellegrini also addressed his upcoming meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, confirming his intention to visit. However, he emphasized the need for substance over form, hoping to convey a positive message to both parties or reach a consensus on specific issues. He believes his role as head of state is to sustain proper relations with neighboring countries. He characterized the relationship between Fico and Zelensky as strained, attributing it to Ukraine’s decision to cease gas transit. (June 29)

“The Prime Minister has correctly set the conditions that he has no problem supporting the eighteenth package of sanctions, provided we have some guarantees regarding our energy security or gas prices.” Peter Pellegrini