Slovakia to allow approval of new EU sanctions on Russia, PM Fico says

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Slovakias Prime Minister, Mr Robert Fico, says his country will stop blocking approval of the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.

PHOTO: AFP

Summary

• Slovakia will stop blocking the EUs 18th sanctions package against Russia on July 17 after assurances it sought.
• Slovakia received guarantees from the EU Commission regarding assistance for potential gas shortages, price increases, transit fees and legal disputes.
• Malta also agreed to support the sanctions, and EU ambassadors will meet on July 18 to formally approve the new measures.

AI generated

PRAGUE - Slovakia will stop blocking the approval of the 18th package of European Union sanctions against Russia on July 17, Prime Minister Robert Fico said.

Mr Fico said on July 17 that Slovakia had achieved as much as it could at this point, after blocking the EU’s approval of the sanctions multiple times to demand guarantees against damage it fears from a separate EU plan to end all gas imports from Russia from 2028.

“At this point, it would be counterproductive to continue blocking the 18th sanctions package tomorrow,” Mr Fico said, in a video message posted on Facebook.

EU countries’ ambassadors will meet on the morning of July 18 to approve the new sanctions, EU diplomats told Reuters.

The European Commission in June proposed the 18th package of sanctions against Russia for its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, aimed at Moscow’s energy revenue, banks, and military industry.

The proposed package included a floating price cap on Russian