FIT: Slovakia will not block 18 packages of penalties

Bratislava aims to unlock the 18th package of penalties in the European Union against Russia tomorrow, July 18. On Thursday, July 17, the Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fitzo said on Facebook.

At the same time, he said that after the next phase of negotiations with the European Commission, which had to do with the Russian gas supply.

Fitz emphasized that despite significant pressure, criticism and threat, it is possible to draw the European Commission’s attention to the influence of stopping Russian gas supplies in the Slovakian household and economy. According to the Prime Minister, the first stage of negotiations was completed to a certain success, though the intensity between the parties was tangible.

Fitz noted that Slovakia received a written guarantee from European Commission leader Ursula Von der Lyain. The document confirms obligations to gas prices, its presence, transit payment and possible steps in the case of Russian gas deficiency. The Prime Minister also emphasized that the country has spent 100 million euros on compensation due to high energy prices.

In addition to official agreements, the Slovakia government reached an unofficial agreement with the European Commission, and also received certification on avoiding arbitration disputes related to the Gazprom contract until 2034.

At the same time, the Prime Minister explained that even under conditions, Slovakia will not support the proposal to complete the Russian gas supply from 2028. He has now emphasized that the continuation of the package of the penalties can create risks for the country’s interests. According to Fitzo, the country should maintain its position in the EU and find a compromise even at difficult times.

Thus, he ordered Slovak representatives to the EU not to continue blocking the package of penalties. However, the Prime Minister emphasized that immediately after Slovakia it will begin a new stage of “struggle” with Brussels on the gas issue.

Remember, on June 10, the European Commission introduced the next, which is the 18th package of sanctions against Russia. These restrictions aim to reduce Moscow’s income from energy sources, banking sectors and military industry.

However, Hungary and Slovakia do not support penalties that limit the import of cheap Russian energy bearers.

Earlier it was reported that the European Commission was working on raising Slovakian reservations as part of the coordination of the EU’s 18 -packing penalties in the EU.