Diplomats claim that the EU has again failed to approve new sanctions against Russia
Four EU diplomats said that the European Union had failed to approve new sanctions against Russia for the second time on Wednesday, as Slovakia sought concessions regarding gas supplies.
Diplomats who were present at the meeting said that Slovakia had vetoed approval of the sanction during the meeting. Malta was also mentioned by two diplomats.
The Slovakian government said that it would not approve sanctions until it received more assurances from the EU about the safety of the country in the event of a separate plan to phase-out Russian gas by 2027.
These phase-out plans must be approved by an EU majority, which means that Slovakia cannot block them. However, sanctions require unanimity.
Fico wrote in a Wednesday letter to Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission: "We view this proposal (Russian phase-out of energy) as a sanction. Therefore we naturally link it with the proposal for... a package sanctions."
"We expect the vote to take place only after a significant part of the risks... have been addressed in the gas supply area from 2028."
The EU would have taken 18 sanctions against Russia in response to its full-scale invasion into Ukraine 2022.
In a letter sent to Slovakia on Tuesday, the Commission, which is the EU's executive branch, said it would address Slovakia's concerns.
Fico replied that the talks should continue to clarify what commitments the Commission will undertake.
Slovakia continues to import Russian oil and has a pro-Russian stance on Ukraine.
The report argues that stopping the import of Russian gas would cause shortages, increase prices and transit charges, and could lead to claims for damages from Russian supplier Gazprom.
Fico said that the best solution for Slovakia would be to have an exemption from the Russian energy phase out, allowing it to complete its contract until 2034. Reporting by Kate Abnett; editing by GV de Clercq, Aiden Lewis and GV De Clercq.
(source: Reuters)
