Slovakia to block EU sanctions impacting national interests
Slovakia will block any European Union sanctions against Russia that impact its national interests, Prime Minister Robert Fico stated, after Parliament adopted a resolution urging the Bratislava government not to back further measures against Russia, Reuters reports.
Fico affirmed that Slovakia aims to maintain a constructive stance within the EU, but characterized the resolution as a powerful political instrument. "If there is a sanction that affects us, I will never vote for it," Fico declared at a press conference.
Slovakia, a NATO and EU member state, has distanced itself from its Western allies on the Ukraine issue under its nationalist left-wing coalition government and has halted military aid to Kyiv.
Fico has also opposed sanctioning Russia for the war launched against Ukraine, arguing that trade measures harm Slovakia and the EU more than Moscow.
The new resolution, adopted in a sparsely attended session, obliges government members not to vote for new sanctions and trade restrictions with Russia. It remains unclear to what extent the resolution is constitutionally binding.
Fico stated he would not support any measure to halt the import of Russian fuel for Slovakia's nuclear power plants. "I am keen to be a constructive player within the European Union, but not at Slovakia's expense," Robert Fico added.
Slovakia has not opposed any EU sanctions package to date, with the latest, the 17th, targeting Moscow's 'ghost fleet'.
Attempts to target Russia's gas and nuclear sectors have encountered obstacles, facing opposition from Slovakia and other countries, such as Hungary, which remain dependent on Russian supplies.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
