Slovakia blocks EU’s 18th Russia sanctions package
The European Council failed to approve the 18th sanctions package against Russia during a meeting on June 26, over objections from Slovakia.
The official communiqué, signed by 26 of the 27 EU member states, noted that the European Union and its international partners remain determined to limit Russia’s ability to wage war against Ukraine. Sanctions remain a key tool in achieving that goal.
EU previously leaders welcomed the approval of the 17th sanctions package in May, which targets Russia’s energy and financial sectors, and called on the Council to quickly approve the new 18th package to counter sanction-busting loopholes exploited by Moscow.
The European Council also confirmed that Russian assets would remain frozen until Russia ends its aggression against Ukraine and compensates for the damage in accordance with international law and EU legislation.
Slovak PM Robert Fico said his country would continue to veto the 18th EU sanctions package. In a video posted on social media, Fico said, “I informed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen that in the interest of transparency at tomorrow’s ambassadors’ meeting, where a vote on the 18th sanctions package should take place, we will request a postponement of the vote.”
The Commission unveiled the 18th sanctions package on June 10. The measures include restrictions on Russia’s energy and banking sectors, a ban on transactions involving the Nord Stream pipelines, a reduction of the oil price cap from $60 to $45 per barrel, and limits on exports of technologies and dual-use goods.
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