2025-06-26 21:56, act 201.2025-06-26 22:34
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2025-06-26 21:56
update
2025-06-26 22:34
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on Thursday during the summit in Brussels announced that with consent to new sanctions for Russia, he would wait until the European Commission was received by the European Commission. For now, Hungary has not agreed to sanctions or further progress of Ukraine in the EU accession process.
The leaders of 27 Member States met on Thursday in Brussels to discuss, among others the issue of the 18th Sanction Package. After their meeting, the decision was to be made on Friday at a meeting of ambassadors.
On Thursday, during the summit in Brussels, Fico announced, however, that Slovakia maintains the veto against the 18th Package of Sanctions for Russia. On Monday, in addition to Slovakia, Hungary also reported in this matter. In exchange for support, he wants the European Commission to compensate for the potential losses related to the ban on gas import from Russia from 2028.
Fico published his message in the film posted on Facebook. He informed in it that the issue of the EC proposal regarding the extinguishing of Russian gas imports was raised during a conversation with the chairman of the EC Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday in Brussels. The conversation was “constructive” and “factual”.
He announced, however, that Until the EC resolved, the issues of potential losses that Slovakia may suffer in connection with the proposal regarding the ban on gas import, Bratislava will not agree to the 18th Package of Sanctions for Russia. As Fico said, Slovakia will ask for postponing voting on Friday in this matter, and if the application is not accepted, its country will be against new sanctions.
Budapest and Bratislava use their veto right regarding sanctions to influence the total ban on the import of Russian gas proposed by the EC since 2028. The establishment of such a ban is possible despite the objection of Budapest and Bratislava, because it requires the consent of only the majority of qualified countries (i.e. at least 15 countries constituting 65 % of the EU population).
Fico is afraid that Gazprom will sue Slovakia in connection with the gas supply contract signed by 2034. In his opinion, this may cost Bratislava from 16 to 20 billion euros.
Fico said that the European Commission is trying to make Russian gas stop flowing into the EU at all costs, while there is no mandate. “In 2022, the so -called Versailles resolution was adopted, which talked about some gradual exclusion or reduction of dependence on Russian gas, but not about the complete cessation of Russian gas supplies,” emphasized the Slovak prime minister.
At the same time, Slovakia signed on Thursday under the common position of leaders regarding Ukraine, from which Hungary broke out. They talk about the intention of the “quick” acceptance of new sanctions for Russia, and also declare support for progress in the accession of Ukraine to the European Union and express recognition for the rate of introduced reforms.
Budapest's opposition to these provisions may cross the chances of opening the first negotiating cluster during the Polish presidency.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, asked before the summit why he maintains the veto in the matter of its opening, replied that “the problem is war.” “If we integrated Ukraine with the European Union, we would integrate the war,” he added.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs Peter Szijjarto also referred to the matter, who stated that “this would not work against the will of Hungarians!” “We do not want integration with a country that (…) threatens our energy security and which once destroyed our farmers” – he wrote on Facebook.
Zelanski to the participants of the summit: Ukraine needs a signal that the Union keeps his promises
Ukraine fulfills all obligations related to joining the EU and needs a strong signal that will confirm its progress on this path – said the President of Ukraine Wołodymyr Zelanski on Thursday in an online speech to the participants of the EU summit.
“Ukraine fulfills all its obligations related to joining the European Union. We really believe it – we realize every requirement, also regarding relationships with neighbors. Therefore, it would be fair if we received clear signals of the EU support in return – signals that confirm our progress,” he said.
Zelanski decided that such a signal could be the opening of the first cluster in the accession negotiations of Ukraine. “It would be a political decision that will decide about the future integration of Ukraine with Europe. Please, support it. We are working on being ready for all clusters by the end of the year,” he assured.
He also said that Ukraine is counting on further support for European leaders in covering its budget needs next year. “Budgetary support remains crucial for us. Each of you understands that war causes a budget deficit – and no European country under the permanent Russian attacks could not be able to cope with such a deficit. We count on your further support, especially when it comes to covering our budget needs next year,” he emphasized.
The Ukrainian president thanked for the support of his state in defense against Russia's attacks and warned that Moscow had war plans for European countries and the EU itself. He repeated that Kyiv wants to suspend their arms, but these efforts are blocked by the Kremlin.
He emphasized that sanctions are the most effective tool for limiting Russia's aggression. “Now you need a really strong 18. Package of EU sanctions against Russia. Key goals are: Russian pus trade, its shadow fleet (pus and gas ships), Russian banks and other financial instruments, as well as supply chains that supply Russia with equipment and components for the production of weapons,” he mentioned.
Zelanski pointed out that Ukraine understands that some EU countries depend on Russian oil. “We understand this and act cautiously – as our EU partnership requires. Unfortunately, we do not always feel the same understanding in return when it comes to the needs of Ukraine. We are particularly surprised by sharp criticism, and even political pressure from some leaders, while our respect for EU rules allows oil to continue to flow.
The President of Ukraine emphasized that his state cares about the predictability of European support for the defense of his country. He said that Ukraine should be part of the Safe instrument, which provides for EUR 150 billion in defense loans.
“We have the latest knowledge – proven on the battlefield – about what weapon is the most effective. Ukraine must participate in joint purchases of weapons – both from producers from the EU and from Ukraine. Our defensive industries can act as one system that will ensure the security of all of Europe,” he said.
According to the head of the Ukrainian state, the EU decisions regarding Ukraine motivate people who defend this country. “The stronger your decisions are, the stronger our defense will be and the closer we will be to end Russian aggression. Please, remember that,” said Zelanski.
Jarosław Junko
From Brussels Magdalena Cedro and Maria Wiśniewska (PAP)
mce/ mws/ kar/
