Slovakia is prepared to block the European Union’s upcoming sanctions package against Russia unless guarantees are given on restoring the Druzhba oil pipeline, Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár (Smer-SD) said. He stressed that Slovakia sees this as one of the few tools to push for renewed oil supplies.
At the same time, Slovakia will not oppose the EU’s planned €90 billion loan for Ukraine, despite previously expressing reservations. Blanár noted that Slovakia, along with the Czech Republic and Hungary, secured an exemption from joint guarantees and interest payments.
Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) had earlier indicated that Slovakia could step in to block EU decisions if needed.
Source: STVR
Patrícia Polakovičová, Photo: TASR
