Slovakia to Support Sanctions Against Russia

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is set to meet with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz tonight ahead of the upcoming EU summit, according to Denník N. They will discuss energy prices and the ban on the sale of internal combustion engine vehicles starting in 2035.

Fico is likely to support sanctions against Russia, provided that Slovakia's demands are included in the summit's conclusions. He announced the meeting with Merz this morning during a session of Parliament's European Committee. Earlier, Fico had indicated that he would block the 19th package of sanctions against Russia if the EU does not make concessions regarding the automotive industry.

According to Fico, Slovakia's demands have already been incorporated into the draft conclusions of the summit. “If we see those conclusions that we obtained, I will review them once again tonight, and I will probably inform Chancellor Merz that we agree with the 19th package, which does not affect us, but serves as a good negotiation tool,” he told lawmakers.

Discussions in the EU regarding the ban on the sale of internal combustion engine vehicles starting in 2035 are expected to lead to a compromise. Slovakia is insisting on the mitigation of this restriction.

Fico also noted that the EU will consider expanding the carbon emissions trading system.