Slovakia threatens to block EU’s 20th sanctions package against Russia

Slovakia is prepared to block the European Union’s 20th sanctions package against Russia, but will not oppose an EU loan of €90 billion for Ukraine, Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár said.

According to the minister, Bratislava is demanding clear guarantees on energy security, particularly regarding the resumption of operations of the “Druzhba” oil pipeline, Caliber.Az reports per Slovak media.

Slovak authorities stressed that they will support sanctions only if they do not harm national interests.

Blanár clarified that Slovakia’s position does not extend to the proposed EU loan for Ukraine, which was previously blocked by Hungary.

Officials in Bratislava also noted that they are awaiting developments in the position of the new Hungarian government, which they assess as potentially supportive of financial assistance to Kyiv.

By Jeyhun Aghazada