Slovakia Backs Down, Paving Way for EU’s 18th Sanctions Package
The European Union is on the verge of adopting its long-delayed 18th sanctions package against Russia, following a breakthrough in negotiations with Slovakia, which had previously blocked the measure.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to European Pravda, citing a statement by Rikard Jozwiak, Europe editor at Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
According to him, Slovakia has received the reassurances it sought from the European Commission regarding its transition away from Russian energy supplies.
The Commission reportedly pledged support for Slovakia's gradual disengagement from Russian energy imports by 2027, which is key to unblocking the sanctions.
Unlike in previous rounds, Hungary, often a staunch opponent of stronger EU action against Moscow, has so far refrained from openly objecting to the proposed measures. However, diplomatic sources have indicated that Budapest, along with Bratislava, had been quietly contributing to the delay behind closed doors.
Slovakia’s objections centered around the economic consequences of cutting ties with Russian gas. Despite direct talks last week between Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Bratislava initially maintained its resistance.
On June 26, the package had stalled during a recent meeting of EU ambassadors, but European officials expressed cautious optimism that a deal with Slovakia would be finalized within days.
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