Slovakia to rescind veto on 18th package of sanctions against Russia on Friday

He announced this in a video message posted on Facebook.

According to him, further refusal to support new sanctions would harm Slovak interests.

“At this stage, it would be counterproductive to continue blocking the 18th package of sanctions. All options have now been exhausted, and maintaining our blocking position would jeopardize our interests… Therefore, I am instructing our representatives in the European Union to clear the way for the 18th package of sanctions tomorrow [Friday],” Fico said.

Fico acknowledged that the 18th package of sanctions, which is very important to most EU countries, was used by Bratislava as a tool of political pressure in the “fight” against the European Commission’s proposal to stop importing Russian gas from 2028, which the Prime Minister called “stupid.” He proudly announced that Slovakia had vetoed the adoption of this sanctions package six times and at the same time demanded that the European Commission “pay attention” to Bratislava’s demands.

According to the politician, the first stage of the “battle” has been won, with written guarantees from the European Commission to supply Slovakia with gas, so now the country will not resist. The Prime Minister promised to start the second stage of the fight with the EU immediately after the approval of the 18th package.

As reported by Ukrinform, the 18th package of sanctions was planned to be adopted several weeks ago, but Slovakia has consistently blocked this process.