Slovakia continues to block extension of EU sanctions against Russia: Report

Necva Taştan Sevinç

Slovakia on Wednesday continued to block the extension of EU sanctions against Russia and demanded that certain individuals be removed from the bloc’s blacklist, according to media reports.

Bratislava reportedly opposed the renewal during a meeting of EU member states’ permanent representatives in Brussels, Italian news agency ANSA reported.

The EU’s 27 members have until Sept. 15 to reach an agreement before the sanctions expire.

The Committee of Permanent Representatives, known as Coreper, is expected to discuss the issue again before the deadline.

EU sanctions require the unanimous approval of all members and must be renewed periodically to remain in force.

Slovakia also earlier rejected a proposal to extend the sanctions regime for 12 months instead of six, reportedly becoming the only member state to oppose the plan.

The EU had sought a longer extension to avoid recurring negotiations about the measures.

Responding to the earlier dispute, the Slovak Foreign Ministry said discussions on the regular six-month review were continuing and were expected to be completed by Sept. 15.