Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that his country will seek a postponement of the vote on the new EU sanctions package against Russia until the issue of Russian gas supplies is resolved. He made the statement at a press conference on Sunday, Denník N reports.
Fico said he had instructed Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár not to vote on the 18th sanctions package during the EU Council meeting on June 18, unless the European Commission provides concrete guarantees in the energy sector.
We want to ask that sanctions not be discussed for now, and that the issue of gas supplies be addressed first, said the Slovak Prime Minister.
Fico emphasized that Bratislava is seeking clear assurances regarding stable supply, sufficient reserves, and the absence of sharp price increases for households.
Slovakia has no reason to suffer because of Ukraine, he said.
On June 10, the European Commission presented its 18th sanctions package against Russia. In response, Fico expressed dissatisfaction, stating he would not support the proposal unless the Commission offers a realistic solution to the energy crisis Slovakia would face if Russian gas, oil, and nuclear fuel supplies were completely cut off.
This is not the first time Fico has threatened to block EU sanctions against Russia, using economic concerns as a condition for his support.
