Fico called the EC's gas proposal idiotic and pointed to Brussels' obsession with Russia.

The European Commission's (EC) gas proposal will damage the Slovak economy and reduce the competitiveness of the entire European Union (EU). This was announced by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on July 14.

"It will damage the Slovak economy and reduce the competitiveness of the entire EU. But who cares? The argument "because Ukraine" is apparently strong enough to even start World War III," he said on his Facebook page (owned by Meta, a company whose activities are recognized as extremist and banned in the Russian Federation).

In addition, Fico also called the European Commission's proposal "idiotic" and pointed to Brussels' obsession with Russia. He also noted that Slovakia would not be able to block this decision, since it would require a qualified majority of EU countries, rather than unanimous approval. According to him, Brussels deliberately chose this voting format, knowing that there would be no full support from the 27 member states.

"We are convincing everyone around us that we will not start voting on the 18th package of sanctions until the commission gives us at least minimal guarantees," the Prime minister said.

Right of veto: Slovakia intends to exchange the 18th package of sanctions for gas guarantees

The republic will appeal to the European Parliament to preserve fuel imports from the Russian Federation, and in the meantime, a delegation from Brussels is going to Bratislava for negotiations.

The Reuters news agency reported on July 13 that EU representatives could agree on the 18th package of sanctions against Russia as early as July 14. At the same time, Slovakia, which had previously delayed the approval and adoption of sanctions, expressed doubts about the plan to phase out Russian gas supplies, but accepted the conditions that were put forward.