Slovakia and Austria oppose a new package of European sanctions against Russia, invoking the right of veto and demanding concessions related to energy and the automotive industry.

Slovakia and Austria are the last obstacles in the way of adopting a new package of European sanctions against Russia, which targets various areas, including liquefied natural gas and the circulation of Russian diplomats. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced that he would use the veto right to block the measures, demanding in return clear solutions for internal economic issues, such as high energy prices and the crisis in the automotive industry. Fico criticized the current approach of the European Union and promised more concrete proposals for the summit on October 23.

Austria, on the other hand, has requested the unblocking of actions of a Russian company to compensate for the losses of an Austrian bank, which has generated controversy among member states. The Austrian Foreign Ministry reaffirmed support for Ukraine but emphasized the need to protect the interests of Austrian companies. This complicated situation could lead to a direct confrontation at the summit of European leaders, where the future of sanctions against Russia will be discussed.