Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has instructed the country’s representatives in the European Union to support the bloc’s 18th package of sanctions against Russia. The decision followed agreements with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen regarding Slovakia’s gas supply security, reports Baltimore Chronicle citing TASR.
Fico stated that continued obstruction of the sanctions would be counterproductive, as all avenues for negotiations with the European Commission had already been exhausted. According to him, further delays would harm Slovakia’s own national interests.
He emphasized that Slovakia had previously vetoed the proposed sanctions package six times. However, the country has now received written assurances from the European Commission, signed by Ursula von der Leyen and the entire College of Commissioners.
The EU’s guarantees cover issues such as gas pricing, the risk of shortages, and transportation tariffs. They also grant Slovakia the right to declare a state of emergency in the event of a sharp price surge or fuel deficit, which could lead to exceptional measures — including a temporary suspension of the ban on importing Russian gas.
Despite lifting the veto, Fico reiterated Slovakia’s firm stance against a total halt of Russian gas deliveries to the EU, which is being considered for implementation from 2028. He warned that such a move would damage the competitiveness of the entire European Union, including Slovakia.
Immediately following the vote, the prime minister announced the beginning of a “second phase of the fight for Russian gas.” The government has already adopted a national plan to promote Slovakia’s interests, formed a dedicated task force to implement the EU’s guarantees, and established strict monitoring mechanisms.
Fico also cautioned that if these guarantees are not honored, the European Commission is already preparing the 19th sanctions package, which will again require Slovakia’s approval.
Earlier we wrote that Fico made new scandalous statements: what he threatened Ukraine with.