“Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fitzo stated that he had instructed the country’s representatives in the European Union to support the 18th package of sanctions against Russia. He said that with the leader of the European Commission, Ursula von Der Lien agreed on guarantees for Slovakia on gas prices.”, – WRITE: www.pravda.com.ua
Source: TASR with reference to Fitzo’s video address
Details: According to Fitzo, further blocking of sanctions would be counterproductive, since all opportunities for negotiation with the European Commission have already been exhausted, and delaying the interests of Slovakia itself.
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Fitzo noted that his country in general six times She vetoed the 18th package of restrictions. According to him, Slovakia has written guarantees from the European commission, signed by its president Ursula von der Lyen and all the Collegium of the European Commissioners
Direct Language: “EU -confirmed guarantees relate to gas prices and its possible deficit, transport tariffs, as well as the ability to declare an emergency in the event of a sharp jump in prices or lack of gas, which can lead to crisis decisions until the prohibition on importing Russian gas.”
Details: At the same time, the Prime Minister has repeated his position that Slovakia would never support a complete stop of Russian gas supply to the EU, which may come into force in 2028. According to him, this will harm the competitiveness of the European Union, including Slovakia.
Despite the consent to unlock the 18th package of sanctions, according to Fitzo, the “second phase of struggle for Russian gas” will begin immediately after the vote. He explained that Slovakia already has an approved plan for the promotion of national interests, a special operational headquarters was created to implement the guarantees provided, and strict control mechanisms are provided.
If these measures do not produce results, Fitzo warned that the European Commission is already working on a 19th sanction package, which will also require Slovakia’s consent.
Prehistory:
- The 18th package of sanctions against Russia was one of the key topics of the EU Council for Foreign Affairs on July 15. The EU Callas Chief Diplomat said that the countries are “very close” to the agreement and expressed his hope that the decision would be made “today”.
- Slovakia still blocked new sanctions, demanding guarantees from the European Commission that it would not suffer losses after the EU’s complete refusal of Russian gas in 2028.
- Malta, as far as known, has its reservations to reduce the “price ceiling” into Russian oil.