Bratislava – The chairman of the coalition SNS, Andrej Danko, expressed pride in the Slovak parliament’s resolution that directs government members not to support new EU sanctions and trade restrictions against Russia. During a press conference at the National Council (NR) of the Slovak Republic on Thursday, he highlighted the significance of this decision for the EU, as reported by TASR.
The Slovak government is urged to refrain from voting in international forums for the implementation of new sanctions and trade restrictions on the Russian Federation. Additionally, they should advocate for measures aimed at stabilizing the energy market, reducing price fluctuations, and safeguarding the strategic interests of the Slovak economy. This stance is part of the NR SR resolution that rejects the sanctions policy and supports the economic and energy interests of Slovakia, which was approved by deputies on Thursday. The resolution was put forth by the coalition SNS.
“I am proud that this was adopted by the parliament. I extend my gratitude to the SNS deputies for their bravery and to the Smer deputies for their support. Ultimately, we accomplished something that I believe will resonate within the European Union,” stated Danko. He asserted that the resolution highlights the detrimental effects of anti-Russian sanctions on the Slovak economy.
“I wish to underscore that the National Council of the Slovak Republic is the first to recognize the economic harm caused by Western nations’ insistence on distancing us from eastern energy sources,” Danko emphasized. The resolution argues that the sanctions and trade restrictions on Russia lead to increased energy prices and disrupt supply chains, thereby diminishing the competitiveness and economic advantages of Slovak enterprises.
On Thursday, 51 out of the 76 deputies present in the NR SR voted in favor of the SNS proposal, which garnered support from the entire SNS faction, a majority of the Smer-SD faction, as well as some representatives from Hlas-SD and a number of independents. Ján Ferenčák (Hlas-SD) opposed the proposal, while 23 others, mainly from the Hlas-SD faction, abstained from voting. Opposition deputies were absent during the vote.
Coalition deputy Ferenčák reminded the press that Slovakia has endorsed EU sanctions against Russia on 17 separate occasions in the past, asserting that the government had consistently indicated support for sanctions that do not adversely affect Slovakia. He deems Thursday’s resolution misguided, as it obligates Slovakia to oppose sanctions, potentially aligning the country with Hungary in vetoing measures that do not impact Slovakia and restricting trade possibilities with the Russian Federation. He also noted that the resolution lacks legal binding and does not compel the prime minister to act in accordance with it.
The opposition PS criticized the NR SR voting, indicating that the coalition parties struggle to reach consensus on fundamental foreign policy issues. According to PS chairman Michal Šimečka, the governing coalition bears responsibility for how the country will engage in the EU. A veto on sanctions would reflect poorly on Slovakia, according to him.
“Slovakia is currently isolated and is being viewed with skepticism, akin to Hungary. The current isolation and the weakened voice of Slovakia, resulting in diminished diplomatic engagement, are the responsibility of this government,” Šimečka added. (June 5)
“We have achieved something that I believe will resonate in the European Union.” Andrej Danko
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