Slovakia Blocks 18th EU Sanctions Package Against Russia Over Energy Concerns

Slovakia has twice blocked the EU's 18th sanctions package targeting Russia, citing concerns over the European Commission's RePowerEU plan to phase out Russian natural gas imports by 2028, which Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico argues could severely harm Slovakia's economy and energy security. Bratislava demands clear guarantees from Brussels to mitigate economic risks, including potential penalties from breaking contracts with Russia's Gazprom. Despite ongoing consultations and the arrival of European Commission experts in Slovakia, key Slovak concerns about energy prices and competitiveness remain unresolved, prompting the veto. However, recent talks reportedly provided Slovakia with the reassurances it sought on the energy phase-out timeline, leading to expectations that the sanctions package may soon be approved. Hungary, initially opposing the sanctions alongside Slovakia, now appears to support further EU sanctions on Russia. The dispute highlights tensions within the EU over balancing sanctions enforcement with member states' economic and energy security interests.