Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said he would not support the 19th package of anti-Russian sanctions of the European Union (EU) until he sees reasonable proposals from the EU, Slovak news agency TASR reported, quoted by BTA.
He added that a focus on the EU's competitiveness is needed so that countries can sell their products abroad.
„I will not support the 19th package against Russia unless I see reasonable proposals for wording and instructions for the European Commission in the conclusions of the European Council, as I see its role in us, as leaders, giving certain instructions to the European Commission, which is an executive body. I think I clearly emphasized this yesterday to the President of the European Council. "It is our duty to come up with reasonable proposals that will complement the European Council's conclusions on car production and electricity prices," Fico said.
The Prime Minister called on Slovak politicians and entrepreneurs to prepare for the renewal of relations with Russia, because they will have to look for business opportunities with it after the end of the war in Ukraine. At the same time, he criticized the European Council for paying too much attention to aid for Ukraine, while not paying attention to the competitiveness of the European Union. According to him, it is necessary to discuss the future of the automotive industry and high energy prices. According to him, in the event of weak competitiveness, Slovakia may not be able to export its products abroad.
Fico also commented on the ban on the production of cars with internal combustion engines, which is due to come into force in 2035. He believes that this decision should be reviewed in the form of a change in the date or its conditions.