According to the head of the Slovak government, Friedrich Merz shouted at him due to the country's refusal to support the latest package of sanctions against Russia. Robert Fico emphasized that he does not succumb to threats when it comes to protecting national interests.
Refusal to finance Ukraine
The Slovak Prime Minister stated that the country will not allocate funds for a new loan to Ukraine if it contradicts the state's interests. The conflict is escalating amid discussions on the 2028–2034 EU budget. Previously, the Financial Times reported that Merz threatened to block the union's budget if certain countries did not agree to finance Kyiv.
Negotiations on the budget and aid to Ukraine have reached a deadlock. A number of states have already stated their position on the new loan:
Ukraine's financial needs
Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Bulgaria were also among the group of countries that expressed unwillingness to participate in the new loan. Previously, in the summer of 2025, Slovakia had already blocked the 18th sanctions package, insisting on resolving the issue regarding energy resources. Fico advocated for maintaining supplies from Russia to avoid price increases and the loss of competitiveness of the European economy.
Context
António Costa holds the post of President of the European Council. Countries such as Hungary (population approximately 9.6 million) and the Czech Republic (population approximately 10.9 million) are participating in the budget discussions.
