December 5, 08:25 AM • 7440 viewsDecember 4, 02:10 PM • 23800 viewsSlovakia will allow the approval of the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia on July 18. Prime Minister Robert Fico agreed with Ursula von der Leyen on guarantees regarding gas prices and its possible shortage.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that the country will not support the EU's REPowerEU initiative to abandon Russian gas from 2028. Slovakia links this issue to the 18th package of sanctions against the Russian Federation, demanding a postponement of the vote.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced his intention to postpone the vote on the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia. Slovakia seeks an exemption that would allow it to fulfill its contract with Gazprom until 2034, rejecting the EC's proposal to stop Russian gas supplies from 2028.
The European Commission is working with Slovakia to address its concerns about the EU's plan to phase out Russian gas imports by 2028. Bratislava is blocking a sanctions package, fearing shortages and rising prices.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said that the EU could agree on the 18th package of sanctions against Russia this week after receiving written guarantees regarding gas imports. Slovakia cannot block the ban on Russian gas imports from 2028, but requires unanimity for the sanctions package.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico refused to unconditionally unblock the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia. He insists on EU gas guarantees for Slovakia after the cessation of Russian gas supplies from 2028.
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala urged his Slovak counterpart Robert Fico not to obstruct the adoption of the 18th package of anti-Russian EU sanctions. Fiala emphasized the importance of joint actions against Russia and warned of Slovakia's possible isolation.
Slovakia aims to conclude an agreement with the European Commission and EU partners by July 15 regarding energy security guarantees. Without these guarantees, the country is blocking a new package of sanctions against Russia, related to the cessation of Russian gas imports.
EU governments are demanding that Brussels keep national plans for phasing out Russian oil and gas by the end of 2027 secret. This is due to the desire to avoid influencing market prices and disclosing confidential information.
President Zelenskyy announced expectations of a decision regarding the 18th package of sanctions against Russia and the US's proximity to implementing them. Ukraine is also working on joint drone production with several countries, including Denmark and Germany.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz publicly appealed to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, urging him to support the 18th EU sanctions package against Russia. Slovakia is blocking the package due to unresolved issues regarding gas supplies after 2027.
The EU has not yet agreed on the 18th package of sanctions against Russia, which the European Commission proposed on June 10. Slovakia is blocking it due to unresolved issues of gas supplies after 2027.
Slovakia has blocked the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia for the second time, demanding guarantees from the European Commission regarding the RePowerEU initiative. This initiative envisages abandoning Russian gas by 2028, which, according to Slovakia, will have negative economic consequences.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced his refusal to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, claiming that Zelenskyy hates him. Fico believes that Ukraine's EU membership is beneficial for Slovakia.
The approval of the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia is delayed until next week. Slovakia continues to block it, seeking to reject the ban on Russian gas.
The European Council on June 26 approved the extension of sanctions against Russia despite threats from Hungary and Slovakia. Negotiations are currently underway on the 18th package of sanctions, which includes restrictions on pipelines and imports of Russian fuel.
Slovakia will not support the new EU sanctions package against Russia due to unresolved gas supply issues after 2027. Prime Minister Robert Fico demands a postponement of the vote, which could lead to a deficit and losses of up to 20 billion euros.
The European Union summit starts today in Brussels, where key topics include the war in Ukraine, strengthening defense capabilities, and competitiveness. EU leaders will discuss further support for Ukraine, its path to EU membership, pressure on Russia, and efforts to achieve peace.
More than half of Slovaks rejected the idea of the country's neutrality, despite Prime Minister Robert Fico's statement. An AKO poll showed that 50.6% of respondents oppose Slovakia's withdrawal from NATO.
The Prime Minister of Slovakia stated that Ukraine's membership in the EU will bring more opportunities than negative consequences. He again proposed holding a joint meeting of the governments of the two countries.
The Prime Minister of Slovakia called for a postponement of the vote on sanctions against Russia, demanding energy security guarantees for the country after the cessation of Russian gas imports from January 1.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic will visit Ukraine on June 11. He will participate in the Ukraine - Southeast Europe summit, despite his pro-Russian stance.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has said he will not support EU sanctions against Russia if they harm his country's national interests. He will not support the cessation of fuel imports for nuclear power plants.
The court found Peter Kažimír guilty of bribery when he was Minister of Finance. He has to pay a fine of 200,000 euros, but remains in office for now.
The Slovak government has allowed the sale of brown bear meat to the population to prevent waste. Previously, a plan to shoot a quarter of the population was approved due to an increase in the number of attacks.
Prime Minister Fico responded to the threats of German Chancellor Merz regarding pressure on Slovakia for its position on Russia. He stated that the country does not need instructions and will defend its interests.
In Romania, the leader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians, Simion, and Călin Georgescu were expelled from a polling station in Mogoșoaia. They tried to make statements to the press inside the station.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced the possibility of holding a referendum on the abolition of sanctions against Russia. He believes that the sanctions harm Europe, not Russia.
Simion's victory in the May 18 elections may lead to the formation of a new anti-Ukrainian bloc in the EU. He opposes military aid to Ukraine and shares the views of Orban and Fico.
Orban's party is proposing a law that would allow blacklisting organizations that receive foreign funding if they are deemed a "threat" to sovereignty. It is reminiscent of the Russian law on "foreign agents".
