Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) said on Monday that tough negotiations with EU officials over the bloc’s 18th sanctions package against Russia are nearing resolution, with a written proposal on gas-related guarantees now circulating among major political party leaders. He expects their feedback shortly.
Fico insists Slovakia cannot support the package without firm assurances of affordable gas supplies after 2028, when the EU plans to phase out Russian imports under its REPowerEU plan. EU foreign ministers are expected to vote as early as Tuesday, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas saying an agreement is “very close.”
Responding to a warning from Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala that Slovakia risks isolating itself by applying a veto, Fico sent a letter criticizing the stance, calling the issue one of national interest. He also proposed renewed joint cabinet meetings, but Fiala rejected the offer, saying current ministerial cooperation is sufficient.
Meanwhile, opposition party Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) argues that as of last Friday, the government is legally bound to support the sanctions under a Constitutional Act on Cooperation between Parliament and the Government in EU Affairs. It allows one-fifth of MPs to propose a binding position, which becomes effective if Parliament doesn't reject it within 14 days. The Foreign Ministry disputes this interpretation.
Source: TASR, Reuters, CT24
