Czech premier urges Slovakia to support EU sanctions against Russia

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS) has called on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico not to block the approval of the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia.

In a letter, Fiala stressed the importance of a united European response to Russian aggression against Ukraine, recalling the shared historical experience of Moscow’s occupation, Caliber.Az reports, citing Czech media.

Slovakia conditions its consent on clarifications regarding future gas supplies, particularly in light of the EU’s plan to phase out Russian gas imports by the end of 2027.

Fico has stated that Bratislava expects guarantees from the EU and suggested that the sanctions package could be voted on once these are secured.

Fiala warned that blocking the sanctions isolates Slovakia within the EU community. “We have a shared interest in ensuring the safety of our citizens. Cooperation within the EU and NATO is a fundamental condition,” he wrote.

He expressed hope that Slovakia, as a “closest partner,” would reconsider its stance and help maintain unity among democratic nations against Russian aggression.

The vote on the sanctions has been postponed several times due to Bratislava’s position. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also emphasised that only one member state’s approval is missing and urged Fico to unblock the process.

By Khagan Isayev