In Brussels, the situation around the upcoming sanctions package against Russia remains calm, despite threats from Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to block its implementation
Official representatives of the European Commission and diplomatic circles are seeking to de-escalate tensions, emphasizing that all processes in this direction continue as planned and do not lose their gradual pace. During a briefing on June 11 in Brussels, EU Commission spokesperson Paola Pino highlighted that the European Commission is committed to the principle of unanimity when adopting sanctions decisions and aims to ensure the final approval of the 18th sanctions package against Russia. She also noted that the Commission’s team plans to personally discuss Slovakia’s concerns regarding potential negative impacts on the country’s energy sector, which may arise from the possible cessation of Russian energy supplies within the EU’s single energy market. Pino commented on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s statement, in which he declared he is ready to block the 18th sanctions package if the European Union does not propose effective solutions to address the difficulties Slovakia might face following the full embargo on Russian energy resources. “All previous 17 sanctions packages were adopted unanimously by all 27 member states. This is an undeniable value for the unity of the Union, and we intend to adhere to the same approach for the 18th package,” Pino emphasized. She added that the European Commission is actively engaging in dialogue with all member states to find compromise solutions and remove potential barriers to the adoption of further sanctions measures. “We are doing our job – conducting discussions and negotiations, seeking ways to resolve possible issues to ensure unanimity and the successful full implementation of sanctions,” the representative of the European executive concluded. In the context of political statements and threats, Brussels emphasizes that the main goal is to maintain the continuity and unity of the sanctions policy, as it is a key element of the EU’s strategy of pressure on Russia in response to its aggressive actions. Participants in these discussions are convinced that any attempts by individual member countries to derail the coordinated course are likely doomed to failure, as the support and solidarity of all 27 EU members guarantee the integrity of the European policy towards Russia. The source of this information, "Euroactiv," underscores that so far, official representatives of the European Commission are firmly calling for joint efforts, resisting provocations and political games by individual politicians. Coupled with the desire for economic stability and energy security, this creates additional preconditions for persistent and consistent advancement of the EU’s sanctions policy, despite some voices at higher political levels seeking to gain political advantage from the situation. Thus, the European Commission continues to advocate for unity, dialogue, and the search for compromises, emphasizing that any contentious issues will be resolved through negotiations and collective decision-making, which can ensure the integrity of sanctions policy and prolong pressure on the aggressor country in the context of supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity and regional stability.