Blanár: Slovakia is ready to support the 18th package of EU sanctions, but is asking for guarantees
Brussels – The eighteenth package of EU sanctions against Russia will not have a negative impact on the Slovak economy according to its current form. Negotiations on the package are still ongoing, Slovakia is ready to support it, but is requesting guarantees regarding the announced EU plan to disconnect from supplies of gas, oil, and nuclear fuel from Russia. This was announced on Monday by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, Juraj Blanár, who is participating in the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels. This is reported by TASR.
“We have clearly stated that this (support for the package – note from TASR) is a technical aspect that we connect with the political,” Blanár declared, referring to the European Commission’s plan to gradually stop the import of energy sources from Russia to Europe by 2027.
The Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic, Robert Fico, will, according to the minister, connect the topic of the 18th package of anti-Russian sanctions with the proposal from the Eurocommission at the European Council meeting this week and will request guarantees and support in addressing the negative consequences of disconnecting from Russian sources. This plan will seriously impact the economy and the prices of final products, Blanár warned.
Fico previously informed that the Slovak Republic will not support the proposed sanctions package against Russia if it does not receive a proposal for a real solution to the crisis situation that Slovakia will face after the complete cessation of supplies of gas, oil, and nuclear fuel from Russia. He also requested, through the Slovak ambassador to the EU, a postponement of the vote on the sanctions until the matter is resolved.
The head of Slovak diplomacy stated that disconnecting from energy sources from Russia will not only increase their prices but also raise transportation fees for such commodities. He argued that Slovakia, which was at the beginning of the “oil pipeline or gas pipeline,” will become a destination country after this.
“There are also risks from arbitration that will affect the Slovak Republic. These are billions, possibly even up to 20 billion euros. Therefore, we are requesting guarantees on how these negative impacts on the Slovak Republic will be addressed,” Blanár said. (June 23)
“We have clearly stated that this is a technical aspect that we connect with the political. (…) There are risks from arbitration that will affect the Slovak Republic. These are billions, possibly even up to 20 billion euros. Therefore, we are requesting guarantees on how these negative impacts on the Slovak Republic will be addressed.” Juraj Blanár
