Slovakia and Malta Agree to Lift Vetoes on EU’s 18th Sanctions Package Against Russia

Slovakia and Malta have informed the European Council that they will no longer block the European Union’s 18th sanctions package against Russia, clearing the way for further restrictive measures in response to Moscow’s ongoing war against Ukraine.

According to three EU diplomats, both countries have signaled their readiness to withdraw objections that had previously stalled the package, The Gaze reports, citing European Pravda.

One of the diplomats confirmed that Malta was reassured by the European Commission’s guarantees regarding the price cap on Russian oil. The Commission emphasized that the proposed measures are both necessary and effective, and would not lead to an expansion of the so-called “shadow fleet,” which Malta had feared could undercut its own shipping industry.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico publicly confirmed his government’s shift in stance in a video statement on the evening of July 17. 

“We have received a written commitment from the European Commission, signed by its President and endorsed by the full Commission,” Fico said. “It would be counterproductive to continue blocking the 18th sanctions package.”

The long-delayed package is expected to be discussed at the General Affairs Council meeting on Friday, July 18, under the “Any Other Business” section, which does not involve a formal vote or decision.

With the veto threats lifted, EU officials are hopeful the sanctions can now move forward in the coming days.

As The Gaze previously reported, Hungary and Slovakia have jointly signaled their intent to block the European Union’s proposed 18th package of sanctions against Russia, objecting to measures that would phase out imports of Russian gas and oil.

Read more on The Gaze: New Sanctions against Russia – How they Reduce its Ability to Wage War