Fico threatens to block sanctions again if there is no deal on gas from Russia

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is ready to support the 18-package of sanctions against Russia, but only if an agreement is reached on a plan to stop Russian gas imports to Europe by July 15. This was reported by Denník N.

Slovak Prime Minister is convinced that guarantees should be explicitly included in the text of the bill that will stop Russian gas supplies.

"We will not agree to the 18th package unless we have guarantees. So far, we are acting only in the form of promises," Fico said .

According to him, on the morning of July 12, he had a "tough" conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and a conversation with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. He did not disclose details.

Fico said that of all Europe, it is Slovakia that allegedly faces the "greatest risk" from the cessation of Russian gas supplies. According to him, this would lead to shortages, higher transaction fees and commodity prices, as well as the threat of a €16 billion lawsuit from Russia's Gazprom.

"I guarantee that I will not answer 'yes' to everything in order to stay within the framework," the Slovak prime minister summarized.

• The Slovak government, led by Fico, has repeatedly warned that it will not support the prepared package of sanctions until it receives sufficient guarantees from the European Commission in connection with the RePowerEU initiative.
• On June 18, the Hungarian Foreign Minister stated, Hungary and Slovakia have blocked the 18th package of sanctions against Russia. He also emphasized that his country was no longer ready to help Ukraine with money or weapons..
• On July 10, Merz publicly called on Fico to unblock the 18th package of sanctions. According to him, only Slovakia continues to block it.