Slovakia's president rejects referendum on EU sanctions against Russia

In Slovakia, significant political dialogue surrounding a proposed referendum regarding EU sanctions against Russia has unfolded recently. On June 4, President Peter Pellegrini articulated his position, stating that the constitution does not support the declaration of a referendum due to ambiguities inherent in the proposed question regarding sanctions. Pellegrini identified three major areas of vagueness which could undermine the proposal's legality, notably regarding what constitutes the 'Slovak Republic' and the impact of sanctions on various sectors, including citizens and businesses. He highlighted that, without a clear legal basis, any results from such a referendum would not be enforceable. Furthermore, he noted that the sanctions in question are an EU-wide initiative, requiring consensus among member nations before any modifications can be enacted, which adds layers of complexity to the idea of a national referendum on this matter. Consequently, Pellegrini concluded that the required legal and constitutional standards for conducting such a referendum simply have not been met. Meanwhile, on June 5, Prime Minister Robert Fico shared with European Council President Antonio Costa, details regarding a parliamentary resolution that urged the Slovak government not to support sanctions harmful to national interests. Fico expressed concerns about the widespread implications of halting energy supplies and how it could detrimentally affect Slovakia's economy. This reflects the divided sentiments within Slovakia about EU sanctions and their broader implications on national strategy and international relations. The situation continues to develop as discussions about the economic viability of these sanctions proceed alongside concerns for national interests against the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tensions.