Party in EU state criticizes Russia sanctions

The Slovak National Party (SNS), a member of the ruling coalition, has announced plans to introduce a parliamentary resolution rejecting further sanctions against Russia, arguing the restrictions are negatively affecting Slovakia’s own economy.

The party, which holds 10 out of the 150 seats in the national parliament, stated that the sanctions against Russia were negatively impacting the standard of living in Slovakia. “Sanctions take more from us than they give,” party leader Andrej Danko has said, as cited by the local media. “The result is rising energy prices, loss of competitiveness of our businesses, and deepening economic uncertainty.”

The SNS called the restrictions ineffective, adding that the new EU sanctions package introduced in February is already pushing the prices of gas and aluminum higher. “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 added.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has repeatedly voiced skepticism over Western support for Ukraine, declaring that Bratislava wouldn't provide military or financial assistance to Kiev and advocating for an immediate ceasefire.

Fico has also criticized Kiev’s Western backers for pursuing “peace through force,” arguing that “Ukraine will never be strong enough to negotiate from a position of military power.” 

Tensions between Slovakia and Ukraine were exacerbated after Kiev declined to renew a gas transit agreement with Moscow that expired at the beginning of this year. The move significantly affected Slovakia, which remains highly dependent on Russian energy.