European Greens: Fico sabotages EU sanctions against Russia, the veto power must be abolished

Brussels – The European Green Party criticized the Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico, for exercising the right of veto in the adoption of the 18th package of sanctions against Russia. They described it as “open sabotage” and Fico as “a Trojan horse for Russia,” according to a statement sent to TASR. In this context, the party called on the European Council to replace the need for unanimity in EU foreign policy with qualified majority voting, especially on issues of support for Ukraine.

“Robert Fico’s unilateral veto undermines Europe’s unity at a critical time and undermines the strong calls from the European Council meeting on June 26, where EU leaders condemned the Russian war, demanded a ceasefire, and committed to strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities,” stated Irish politician and co-chair of the European Green Party Ciarán Cuffe.

After the one-day meeting of the European Council in Brussels on Friday night, Fico reiterated that Slovakia would not support the 18th package of sanctions against Russia unless it receives guarantees from the European Commission related to the proposal to stop importing Russian gas from January 2028. He discussed this matter with EC President Ursula von der Leyen before the summit. Slovakia then blocked the agreement on the sanctions package at the level of permanent representatives of EU states at Fico’s request on Friday.

According to Politico magazine, Hungary is also opposed to its adoption.

“One single leader should not have the ability to disrupt Europe’s unified stance on peace, democracy, and international law.” Ciarán Cuffe

“One single leader should not have the ability to disrupt Europe’s unified stance on peace, democracy, and international law. We urgently call on the European Council to replace the rule of unanimity in EU foreign policy with qualified majority voting, especially regarding support for Ukraine,” Cuffe stated.

Co-chair of the European Greens Vula Tsetsi from Greece reminded of Fico’s May meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, which she said caused shock throughout Europe.

“Fico’s veto confirms what many feared: he acts as a Trojan horse for Russia in the European Council. We want Europe to know: attacks on Ukraine deserve urgent and unified sanctions,” she stated in a declaration and called on member states and EU institutions to prepare a way to overcome Fico’s “harmful veto.” “Europe must replace its words with actions,” she added.

Officials from the Slovak government express concerns that disconnecting from energy sources from Russia will not only lead to increased prices but also to higher transportation fees for such commodities. They argue that Slovakia will become a final destination country instead of a country benefiting from transit fees after the implementation of the EC plan. According to Politico, Slovakia is seeking assurances from the EC that Slovak companies will not be sued for breaching contracts with Russian firms, also wants compensation for lost transit fees, and demands that the plan not be approved with full support from Slovakia. If Brussels takes these concerns into account and provides the requested guarantees, Slovakia is prepared to support the sanctions package, according to government representatives. (July 1)