Europe Asia News

The proposed package, on the table for nearly a month, targets Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG), oil infrastructure, the “shadow fleet” and cryptocurrency platforms, as well as the movements of Russian diplomats within the 27-member bloc.

Following a phone call with European Council President António Costa, Fico clarified his “surprise” that next week’s summit would again focus on Ukraine — a topic that, he said, “comes up at every meeting.”

Fico said on Wednesday: “Until I see, in the summit conclusions, political instructions to the European Commission on how to address the crisis in the automotive industry and the high energy prices that make Europe’s economy entirely uncompetitive, I am not interested in new sanctions packages against Russia.”

He added: “I cannot allow such serious issues to be ‘addressed’ with general wording in the conclusions while detailed decisions and positions are devoted to assisting Ukraine.”

Like Hungary, Slovakia remains dependent on Russian energy and strongly opposes the phase-out from Moscow planned to be completed by the end of 2027.

Fico backed down only after receiving a letter from the European Commission containing non-binding assurances on a phased phase-out, including the use of state aid to reduce energy prices. Slovakia has struggled for years with high levels of energy poverty.