Slovak PM Fico Threatens Veto on EU 18th Sanctions Over Energy Crisis

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has announced that Slovakia will not support the European Union's proposed 18th package of sanctions against Russia unless the European Commission presents a viable solution to the energy crisis Slovakia would face due to the cessation of Russian gas, oil, and nuclear fuel supplies. The new sanctions package, aimed at Russia's energy and banking sectors, includes bans on transactions involving the Nord Stream pipelines and a reduction of the oil price cap from $60 to $45 per barrel to curb Russian revenues. Fico criticized the EU's plans to phase out Russian energy imports, calling them "economic suicide" and emphasized the need to protect Slovakia's national interests, given its heavy reliance on Russian energy and role as a transit hub for Russian exports to Western Europe. His stance aligns with similar objections from Hungary, which also opposes the EU's energy embargo plans. Since taking office in 2023, Fico has reversed Slovakia's previous pro-Ukraine policies, ending military aid to Kyiv and questioning the efficacy of sanctions on Russia. The EU requires unanimous approval for sanctions, so Slovakia's veto could complicate or delay the implementation of the 18th sanctions package.