Fico: As long as sanctions against Russia do not threaten Slovakia’s interests, we are part of the unity of the EU

Bratislava – In analyzing anti-Russian sanctions, we start from the basic premise that as long as they do not threaten the national interests of the Slovak Republic, we proceed within the unity of the European Union (EU). As soon as it comes to sanctions that threaten us, we have the right to say that we want nothing to do with this sanction. This was stated on Wednesday by Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) in response to criticism of the approval of the 17th package of sanctions against Russia by the chairman of the coalition SNS, Andrej Danko, TASR reports.

The Prime Minister also declared that the government will patiently explain this position to its coalition partners.

“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,” said the Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic.

Danko condemned the vote of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, Juraj Blanár (Smer-SD), who last week supported another package of European sanctions aimed at Russia. He claims that they isolate the European Union, reduce its competitiveness, and destroy the value of the euro. Danko announced that he would call on the Prime Minister to review the mandate of the head of diplomacy. (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