by EuroNews
It’s published
Slovakia is seeking deals with European partners involving Russian gas supplies by Tuesday to approve a new package of EU sanctions in Russia, Prime Minister Robert Fiko said on Saturday.
He told a Bratislava journalist: “I hope this will be resolved by Tuesday as tensions are rising in all respects.”
So far, Slovakia has maintained its veto on the 18th sanctions package in response to the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Bratislava has blocked the package on concerns about the proposed phase-out of all Russian fossil fuels by 2028, fearing that it could undermine the country’s economic interests.
Slovakia has acquired most of the gas from Russia and has signed a long-term contract with Russia’s Gazprom in 2034. FICO wants legal guarantees if Gazprom claims a potential breach of contract.
According to Reuters, FICO added on Saturday.
He noted that he spoke with German Prime Minister Friedrich Merz on the issue, emphasizing that Slovakia will lift its veto if a deal on the gas ban is reached.
The latest sanctions package, released on Tuesday by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and senior representative Kaja Karas, blacklisting another 22 Russian banks, expanding the ban on transactions with foreign-based entities that contribute to the removal of sanctions. The target is the Russian Direct Investment Fund, a sovereign wealth fund with an estimated capital of $10 billion (EUR 8.75 billion).
It also features a prohibition of the direct or indirect use of the Nodal Stream pipeline connecting Russia and Germany. Underwater pipelines are not today, and Berlin has ruled out the prospect of resuming gas transport after the war ends.