Robert Fico announced that Slovakia will lift the road to the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia on Friday

Bratislava – Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico informed on Thursday evening that he would instruct Slovakia’s representatives at the European Union to clear the way for the 18th package of anti-Russian sanctions on Friday. According to Fico, it would be counterproductive to continue blocking another sanctions package, as all options for negotiations with the European Commission (EC) have been exhausted for now, and remaining in the current position would jeopardize Slovakia’s interests. The Prime Minister stated this in a video on the social network Facebook, TASR reports.

The Prime Minister stated that Slovak representatives have vetoed the 18th sanctions package a total of six times. According to him, Slovakia has written commitments from the European Commission (EC) signed by its President Ursula von der Leyen and the college of commissioners.

“Confirmed guarantees from the EU relate to the price of gas and its potential shortage, transportation fees, as well as the possibility of triggering a crisis situation in the event of extremely high prices and a gas shortage, which could lead to crisis solutions up to the lifting of the ban on importing Russian gas,” Fico explained.

Slovakia also discussed with the EC the use of EU funds to compensate for high natural gas prices, as well as the full participation of the EC in any arbitration with Russian Gazprom for non-fulfillment of the current gas supply contract, which is valid until 2034.

Slovakia will never support the cessation of Russian gas supplies to the EU from 2027

However, Fico reiterated that Slovakia will never support the cessation of Russian gas supplies to the EU from 2027. The REPowerEU proposal, according to him, will harm the competitiveness of the EU and primarily damage Slovakia, which will vote against it, even though it cannot veto it.

Despite the fact that Slovakia will no longer veto the 18th sanctions package, according to Fico, immediately after Friday’s vote, the “second phase of the battle regarding Russian gas” will begin. He explained that Slovakia has an approved plan to promote Slovak national interests, created an action team responsible for achieving the proposed guarantees, as well as strict control mechanisms.

In the event that these steps fail, Fico warned that the EC is also working on the 19th sanctions package, which will require Slovakia’s consent. (July 17)