Fico: Slovakia Asking for Postponement of EU Vote on 18th Sanctions Package

Bratislava, 15 July (TASR) – Slovakia requested a postponement of the vote on the European Union's 18th sanctions package against Russia during Tuesday's EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels, Prime Minister Robert Fico announced on the same day. Fico said the request was made in light of differing positions within the Slovak political landscape. He also published a letter from the European Commission (EC), which he described as a response to Slovakia's objections to the EU's proposed halt to Russian gas supplies to member states as of 1 January 2028. The prime minister emphasised that the EC's written guarantees were sent to all relevant Slovak political parties. "Their response was that the guarantees are insufficient, some even called them nothing. They didn't disappoint. Supporting the 18th sanctions package while also backing a halt to Russian gas from 2028 can only be seen as the opposition foolishly sabotaging the country at all costs," wrote Fico. Fico reiterated the government's rejection of the Commission's proposal to stop Russian gas flows from 2028. However, he expressed willingness to negotiate conditions that would secure Slovakia's energy needs beyond that date. "The best solution would be to grant Slovakia an exemption allowing it to fulfil its contract with Gazprom until it expires in 2034," said Fico. "The Commission currently rejects this on principle, as approving it would undermine the essence of the sanctions." Fico previously said that tough negotiations and phone calls with EU officials were nearing their conclusion, with a written proposal from the Commission now on the table. Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Tuesday that member states are very close to reaching agreement on the 18th sanctions package, and she expressed her hope that a deal could be finalised on Tuesday or Wednesday. Slovakia was represented at the meeting by Foreign and European Affairs Deputy Minister Marek Estok. The 18th sanctions package, presented by the Commission on 10 June, aims to curb Moscow's revenues from the energy and defence sectors. It includes a lower price cap on Russian oil and bans on trade with companies operating the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines, as well as with banks involved in evading sanctions. mf/df