A recent conference held in Slovakia has reignited the debate over the European Union’s sanctions on Russia, with politicians, economists, and activists warning that these measures have backfired, harming the very countries that imposed them. The event, titled For Slovakia Without Sanctions, took place on March 29 in Bratislava and was centered around a growing petition movement aimed at forcing the Slovak government to push for an EU-wide policy reversal.

The conference was organized by the left-wing Party of Slovak Revival and the right-wing Homeland Party, two political factions that have been campaigning since late last year for a referendum to determine whether Slovakia should advocate for lifting sanctions on Russia. Organizers announced that the petition has already gathered over 300,000 signatures, putting it close to the 350,000 required to legally mandate a referendum under Slovakia’s constitution.

Pavol Slota, the leader of the Homeland Party and one of the petition’s authors, delivered an impassioned speech at the event, arguing that Slovakia’s economic and political stability hinges on ending the sanctions.

“It is about our whole nation, all Slovak citizens, about us fighting for our own future. We must do everything so that our message reaches every single Slovak citizen,” Slota stated.

He warned that failing to take action now could mean losing an opportunity to reclaim national sovereignty over economic policies. Slota framed the issue as a matter of national pride and self-respect, urging Slovaks to reject what he sees as blind conformity to EU directives.

“If we leave everything as it is, it may happen so that we may not get a second chance… I have to ask you, do you respect weak people who adapt, who somehow just go along with the crowd? Or do you respect the strong people who respect themselves?” he challenged the audience.

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