As the diplomatic department informed, the country asked to postpone the sanctions at the meeting of the ambassadors of the European Union because of the need to find a satisfactory decision on the negative consequences for Slovakia from the proposed legislation of Repowereu.
It is also noted that the Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fitzo informed European colleagues about the decision of the country during a meeting of the European Council on June 26 in Brussels. Then the EU summit began, at which the leaders gave political consent to extend existing sanctions against the Russian Federation, but not to approve new ones, Radio Freedom reports.
Context
On May 17, the Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fitzo said that the country considers the likelihood of canceling future sanctions against the Russian Federation and can hold a referendum for this. The politician said that, in his opinion, a referendum is not needed on this subject, but if there is such a referendum, then the prime minister of Slovakia will support him.
On June 4, Slovakian President Peter Pellegrini said that a referendum in the country for canceling sanctions against Russia simply could not announce.
On June 8, Fitzo threatened to block any sanctions of the European Union against the country of aggressor of the Russian Federation if they pose a threat to the national interests of his country.
Reuters noted that in Slovakia they adopted a resolution that obliged members of the parliament not to vote for new sanctions and restrictions on Russia. According to the Slovak deputy Jan Ferenchak, who is quoted by SME, the document is not mandatory.
