Slovakia has again blocked the European Union’s latest round of sanctions against Russia, citing economic risks posed by the bloc’s planned phase-out of Russian energy imports.
According to Slovak news agency TASR, the 18th sanctions package was vetoed on Friday during a vote by the EU’s Committee of Permanent Representatives.
Slovakia’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the move and said Bratislava would not support the package until it receives firm assurances from Brussels that the energy phase-out will not damage its economy.
At the heart of the dispute is the European Commission’s RePowerEU initiative, which aims to eliminate imports of Russian energy by 2028. The plan is being discussed in parallel with new restrictions targeting Russia’s energy and financial sectors.
While the Commission intends to push the phase-out through as trade legislation—requiring only a qualified majority—Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico insists it should be treated as a sanctions measure, which would need unanimous approval.
Slovakia’s Foreign Ministry stated that domestic authorities, energy firms, and industry stakeholders view the plan as a serious threat to the competitiveness of the economy, particularly in terms of energy prices and security.
It said ongoing negotiations had failed to address key concerns, and stressed the need for a transition plan that “benefits citizens and businesses.”
A delegation of European Commission experts reportedly travelled to Slovakia this week for further talks.
Fico had also previously warned that ending Russian energy imports would surely endanger national energy security and drive up costs.
He also pointed to potential legal complications with Russian gas giant Gazprom, noting that cancelling long-term contracts could lead to arbitration and penalties amounting to as much as €20 billion.
Hungary has also objected to the phase-out plan. Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said Budapest and Bratislava jointly opposed the sanctions package at a recent foreign ministers’ meeting, warning that the proposed energy restrictions would “destroy Hungary’s energy security” and cause steep price hikes.
The European Commission presented its 18th sanctions package in early June, framing the measures as a way to increase pressure on Moscow over its ongoing war in Ukraine.
The proposals include cutting the price cap on Russian oil from $60 to $45 per barrel, permanently banning the use of the Nord Stream pipeline, prohibiting the import of refined products made from Russian crude, and blacklisting 77 ships reportedly linked to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet.”
The EU also extended all existing sanctions for an additional six months earlier this week.
Follow us
