Bratislava – Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) has stated that he will not endorse a new EU sanctions package against Russia until the European Commission (EC) offers practical proposals for aligning climate objectives with the requirements of the automotive and heavy industries. He suggested that if there is sufficient political will, some of the ambitious targets within the EU’s climate policy could potentially be modified. He also indicated that he would withhold support for any sanctions package until the EC addresses European electricity pricing. This statement followed his meeting on Thursday with European Council President Antonio Costa, as reported by TASR.
Robert Fico expressed concerns during the discussion regarding the feasibility of the EU’s stringent climate targets in relation to real-world situations. “For instance, Slovakia, which manufactures over a million cars, aims to sustain this industry while facing high energy costs,” Fico remarked. He emphasized that the EU’s capacity to develop effective solutions would play a crucial role in shaping Slovakia’s position on additional anti-Russian sanctions.
“As Prime Minister, I will not support any new package until the European Commission presents viable proposals on how to reconcile demanding climate targets with the needs of not only Slovakia’s automotive sector but also heavy industry,” he asserted. Fico also acknowledged the possibility of revising established climate goals. “Furthermore, I will not endorse further anti-Russian sanctions until there are practical proposals regarding electricity prices in Europe,” he reiterated, underscoring the primary role of EU authorities in this matter. “The way we structure this will determine our outcomes,” Fico stated.
Regarding the EU’s long-term financial framework, Fico highlighted Slovakia’s national interests, stressing the importance of preserving cohesion policy arrangements and addressing certain issues in the common agricultural policy that do not align with Slovak agricultural development.
The Prime Minister also emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. “I conveyed the desire that the same level of commitment and resources the EU extends towards military aid for Ukraine should also be directed towards peace initiatives,” Fico remarked, believing the EU could have a more substantial influence on the peace process than it currently does.
EC President Antonio Costa stressed the significance of meetings, dialogue, and addressing differing opinions within the EU. “Through our ability to engage in discussion and listen, we can fortify our unity,” Costa declared. He noted the positive outlook for Slovak-Ukrainian relations stemming from Fico’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Costa acknowledged the need for ensuring energy security as part of economic development, labeling it a priority for the EU. “This exemplifies how security and competitiveness are interconnected, particularly for an industrialized nation like Slovakia, which is a cornerstone of the automotive sector in both European and global contexts,” Costa added. (September 11)
“As Prime Minister, I will not support another package until the European Commission presents realistic proposals on how to align challenging climate goals with the needs of automotive production, not only in Slovakia, and the needs of heavy industry. I will not support further proposals for anti-Russian sanctions until the EC presents realistic proposals regarding electricity prices in Europe” Robert Fico
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