Bratislava – On Thursday evening, Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico announced that he would direct the country’s EU representatives to support the approval of the 18th package of anti-Russian sanctions on Friday. Fico argued that continuing to block the sanctions would be counterproductive, as negotiations with the European Commission (EC) have reached a standstill, and maintaining the current stance could jeopardize Slovakia’s interests. He made this statement in a video posted on Facebook, as reported by TASR.
Fico noted that Slovak representatives had previously vetoed the 18th sanctions package six times. He mentioned that Slovakia has secured written commitments from the EC, endorsed by President Ursula von der Leyen and her team.
“The confirmed guarantees from the EU include issues related to gas pricing, potential shortages, transportation costs, and the possibility of crisis measures in the event of extremely high prices and gas shortages, which could even lead to lifting the ban on Russian gas imports,” Fico elaborated.
Discussions with the EC also covered the use of EU funds to alleviate the impact of high natural gas prices and the EC’s full involvement in any arbitration with Gazprom regarding the fulfillment of the current gas supply contract, lasting until 2034.
Slovakia will never support the cessation of Russian gas supplies to the EU from 2027
Fico reiterated that Slovakia will never endorse stopping Russian gas supplies to the EU starting in 2027. He contended that the REPowerEU proposal would undermine EU competitiveness and primarily harm Slovakia, which will oppose it, despite not having veto power.
Even though Slovakia will not block the 18th sanctions package any longer, Fico stated that a “second phase of the battle regarding Russian gas” will commence immediately after Friday’s vote. He explained that Slovakia has a plan in place to promote its national interests, set up an action team to secure the proposed guarantees, and established strict oversight mechanisms.
In case these measures fall short, Fico warned that the EC is also planning a 19th sanctions package that would require Slovakia’s approval. (July 17)
“Immediately after Friday’s vote on the 18th sanctions package, the second phase of the battle regarding Russian gas will begin.” Robert Fico
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