Initial Opposition and⁢ Concerns

When the European Union approved its‍ 18th ⁢package of sanctions against Russia, Slovakia‌ stood alone in⁣ blocking its adoption, both during diplomatic negotiations and directly at ⁣a summit in brussels. Prime ​Minister Robert Fico initially appeared poised ⁢to repeat this action with the proposed 19th sanctions⁤ package, linking its approval to⁣ resolutions regarding rising energy prices and support for Slovakia’s automobile industry.

Shift in Position

However, on Wednesday, February 1, 2024, Fico indicated a shift in his position. He⁢ told‌ the parliamentary committee for European affairs that ⁣he was inclined to support‍ the⁢ new ‌round of ‌sanctions, citing the inclusion ‌of a ⁢response to energy price increases in the draft conclusions for Thursday’s summit. ⁢

Fico stated he would likely ​inform German‍ Chancellor Friedrich Merz⁤ of Slovakia’s agreement to the 19th package,characterizing it as a “good negotiating tool” while noting ‍it would not⁣ directly impact Slovakia. He planned to ⁤meet with Chancellor Merz ​prior to the start of the European leaders’ meeting.

Negotiating⁣ Strategy

During ‍negotiations⁣ surrounding the sanctions package, ‌Prime ‌Minister Fico ‌employed a ‌specific strategy, the‌ details of which were not publicly available⁣ as of February ‌1, 2024, due to the⁢ article being⁣ exclusive content ‌for Denník N ⁣subscribers.