On Wednesday, July 9, the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the European Union (Coreper), meeting in Brussels, will revisit the draft of the EU’s 18th sanctions package targeting the Russian Federation. Despite efforts by other EU member states, Slovakia’s stance on blocking the package remains unchanged, reports Baltimore Chronicle with reference to informed officials.
The upcoming meeting of EU ambassadors is expected to include further discussions on the sanctions and attempts to persuade Slovakia to lift its veto. A senior EU official confirmed that the 18th sanctions package is included on Coreper’s July 9 agenda, but acknowledged uncertainty about whether the package will be approved or remain stalled.
While no guarantees have been made, the official noted there is still hope for a breakthrough either tomorrow or later this week. However, sources within the Slovak government told the publication that the situation has not shifted since the previous Friday, when the package failed to gain unanimous support.
“At the moment, Slovakia’s position is unchanged. The country continues to block the 18th sanctions package against Russia until it receives clear guarantees from the European Commission regarding compensation for losses expected from the EU’s planned complete cessation of Russian gas imports as of January 1, 2028,” a Slovak source stated.
When asked whether Slovakia’s stance might change on July 9, the source responded briefly: “Anything is possible.”
Previously, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna emphasized that EU countries must reach a consensus on the 18th package of sanctions against Russia this week.
Earlier we wrote that Slovakia and Hungary block 18th EU sanctions package against Russia.
