Slovakia is prepared to support the EU’s 18th sanctions package against Russia, but demands guarantees regarding the planned phase-out of Russian gas, oil, and nuclear fuel by 2027, Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár (Smer-SSD) stated at the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels on Monday. He stressed that sanctions support must be linked to assurances that mitigate the economic impact of energy disconnection.
Prime Minister Róbert Fico (Smer-SSD) has also requested that the European Commission present a realistic solution to the potential crisis Slovakia faces with the loss of Russian energy supplies. He plans to raise this issue at this week’s European Council meeting as well, demanding compensation measures. Fico had earlier requested a delay in the sanctions vote until a viable solution is presented.
Source: TASR
