Slovakia blocks EU proposal to extend Russian sanctions for 12 months

Slovakia has blocked the European Union's proposal to extend individual sanctions against Russia for a full 12 months. The Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper) failed to reach an agreement on Wednesday regarding the extension of sanctions targeting more than 3,000 Russian individuals and entities responsible for violating Ukraine's territorial integrity.

Slovakia is reportedly the only member state opposing a 12-month extension, instead advocating for a six-month renewal, which has been the previous compromise cycle. Additionally, Slovakia has proposed the removal of certain unspecified individuals from the existing sanctions list.

The current sanctions are set to expire on September 15. Discussions regarding the sanctions regime have been postponed to September 9, with a final agreement expected by September 15. The EU is also considering adding approximately 1,600 new Russian subjects and entities to the sanctions list.