Slovakia has vetoed Brussels’ latest sanctions package against Russia, unconvinced by the guarantees offered on the energy front.
Just days ago, Remix wrote that Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár indicated that his country was ready to support the EU’s 18th package of sanctions, as it did not threaten the Slovak economy. The only stipulation was that compensation would be needed to counter price increases and shortages as well as arbitration risk, given its contracts with Russia, to the tune of €20 billion.
However, after Slovakk Prime Minister Robert Fico met with EU commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the country has decided it would still be at risk of Putin suing Slovakia for billions over breaking its long-term gas contract with Gazprom. Von der Leyen, for her part, had sought to convince Fico that Slovakia would be able to avoid any damages since the bans would essentially serve as a “force majeure” in court.
“This issue must be resolved first: let’s define the solution, and only then can we discuss further sanctions packages,” Fico posted on Facebook. “If our proposal to postpone the vote is not accommodated, the Slovak ambassador will receive a clear instruction to veto the adoption of the 18th sanctions package,” he added.
Both Slovakia and Hungary have long been opposed to cutting Russian oil and gas off, as the two countries are highly dependent. Brussels had been confident it would have attractive proposals for both countries, but so far nothing has convinced either side.
The TASS news agency reported yesterday that there was a “very good” offer on the table for Hungary, according to PM Orbán. “No doubt. This is true,” he told reporters, adding that “it is necessary to work a bit more on it.”
In the meantime, the EU’s current sanctions have been extended for six months.
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