Slovakia Backs 18th Package of Russian Sanctions, Criticizes RePowerEU Plan

Brussels/Bratislava, 18 July (TASR) - At Friday’s meeting of the EU General Affairs Council, Slovak Deputy Foreign and European Affairs Minister Marek Estok informed EU partners that Slovakia had lifted its reservations and allowed the adoption of the EU’s 18th sanctions package against Russia. At the same time, he reiterated Slovakia's opposition to the RePowerEU legislative proposal, calling it harmful to Slovak industry, the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s press department reported. „Slovakia will not support legislation that threatens our energy security and does nothing to address high energy prices. However, we remain open to further dialogue with the European Commission to defend the interests of our citizens and businesses,” Estok stated. Slovakia agreed to proceed with the sanctions package after negotiating guarantees from the European Commission related to energy security concerns tied to RePowerEU. Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar praised the Slovak diplomatic team for securing the assurances. „I thank our Permanent Representation in Brussels and colleagues at the ministry for their professional work during the difficult talks with the Commission,” Blanar said. During the Council session, EU foreign ministers also received a formal presentation of the bloc’s proposed Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034. Estok said Slovakia supports a balanced approach between funding for long-term policies and new initiatives, emphasizing that cohesion and agricultural policies must remain the core of the EU budget. „In line with the government’s Manifesto, Slovakia’s clear priority in MFF negotiations will be maintaining adequate levels of cohesion funds and support for the Common Agricultural Policy as responses to long-term EU challenges,” he added. Slovakia also reiterated its position that the next EU budget should be increased, given the bloc’s growing policy ambitions and persistent investment gaps. The MFF will remain a regular item on the EU Council’s agenda over the next two years. Ministers also continued discussions on Spain’s proposal to add Catalan, Basque, and Galician as official EU languages. „I once again expressed Slovakia’s support for this initiative. However, as there is still no consensus among member states, a solution acceptable to all will need to be found,” Estok said. Unanimous approval is required to amend the EU regulation on official languages. Spain has pledged to cover all related costs if the expansion is approved. mf