EU State Party Criticizes Russia Sanctions

The Slovak National Party, which is part of the ruling coalition, has proposed a parliamentary resolution to oppose further sanctions against Russia, contending that these restrictions are harming Slovakia’s economy.

Holding 10 out of 150 seats in the national parliament, the party has expressed concern that sanctions on Russia are diminishing the standard of living within Slovakia. “Sanctions take more from us than they give,” stated party leader Andrej Danko, as reported by local media. “The result is rising energy prices, loss of competitiveness of our businesses, and deepening economic uncertainty.”

The SNS criticized the sanctions as ineffective and noted that a new EU sanctions package introduced in February is already leading to increased prices for gas and aluminum. “It is unacceptable that Slovak households and businesses bear the economic consequences of decisions that were taken without a thorough assessment of their impact on the national economy,” Danko said.

“We cannot stand idly by while someone makes decisions for us, while weakening us economically,” he further emphasized.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has consistently expressed skepticism regarding Western support for Ukraine, stating that Bratislava would not offer military or financial assistance to Kiev and promoting an immediate ceasefire.

Fico has also scrutinized Ukraine’s Western allies for attempting to achieve “peace through force,” asserting that “Ukraine will never be strong enough to negotiate from a position of military power.”

Tensions between Slovakia and Ukraine have intensified following Kiev's refusal to renew a gas transit agreement with Moscow that lapsed at the beginning of the year, significantly impacting Slovakia, which relies heavily on Russian energy.

Jessica Kline contributed to this report for TROIB News