Fico: We'll Vote for Next Anti-Russia Sanctions Only on Certain Conditions

Bratislava, 11 September (TASR) – Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD), following his meeting with President of the European Council Antonio Costa on Thursday, said that he will not support the adoption of a new package of sanctions against Russia unless the European Commission (EC) presents realistic proposals to align climate targets with the needs of the automotive and heavy industry sectors. The prime minister also suggested that some of the European Union's ambitious climate goals could be revised if there is the political will. Fico emphasised that he raised the question of how the EU’s demanding climate objectives can be reconciled with economic realities. "For example, the reality of Slovakia, which produces more than a million cars annually, and intends to continue to do so, but is confronted with high energy prices," he said. The premier stressed that the EU's ability to respond and find solutions will directly influence Slovakia's stance on future anti-Russia sanctions. "As prime minister, I will not support another sanctions package until the European Commission puts forward realistic proposals on how to align demanding climate goals with the needs of car manufacturing — not only in Slovakia — and with heavy industry," he said. Fico also linked his support for further sanctions to energy pricing. "Secondly, I will not support new proposals for sanctions against Russia until the EC presents realistic proposals concerning electricity prices in Europe," he added, noting that EU institutions play a key role in this area. As for the EU's multi-annual financial framework, Fico highlighted Slovakia's national interests, particularly the need to preserve cohesion policy funding and address trends in the Common Agricultural Policy that, in his view, don't align with the development of Slovak agriculture. He also called for greater EU engagement in peace efforts related to the war in Ukraine. "I expressed a wish that the same amount of attention and energy that the EU devotes to military aid to Ukraine should also be devoted to peace processes," said Fico, who stated that he's convinced that the EU could play a far more significant role in peace efforts than it has done so far. mf/df