EU bordering nation urges Slovakia to remove Russia sanctions veto
(MENAFN) Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala has called on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to withdraw Slovakia’s veto of the European Union’s proposed 18th sanctions package against Russia, which is aimed at punishing Moscow for its actions in the Ukraine conflict. Slovakia blocked the sanctions for a second time last Friday.
Bratislava’s opposition stems from concerns over the RePowerEU plan, an EU initiative designed to eliminate Russian energy imports by 2027. Slovakia fears the plan could lead to energy shortages, higher prices, increased transit fees, and possible legal disputes with Russian energy company Gazprom. The sanctions also target Russia’s energy and financial sectors.
Fiala shared on X (formerly Twitter) that he had sent a letter to Fico urging Slovakia to reconsider, citing the “exceptionally close relations” between the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Although Russian gas is not under a direct EU ban, most member states have voluntarily reduced imports. However, landlocked countries like Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, and the Czech Republic still rely on smaller volumes through exemptions.
Last week, Fico criticized the RePowerEU plan as “ideological,” arguing that Slovakia needs firm guarantees – not vague political assurances – to safeguard its energy security and affordability before it can back further sanctions.
To overcome such opposition, the European Commission is considering advancing the energy phase-out through trade legislation, allowing passage by qualified majority and bypassing vetoes from Slovakia and Hungary.
Hungary has also rejected the plan, with Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto warning it could severely damage the country’s energy security and cause price hikes.
In June, Brussels introduced a new set of sanctions targeting Russia’s energy exports, infrastructure, and financial systems. These measures reportedly include lowering the price cap on Russian oil, banning future use of the Nord Stream pipeline, restricting refined products made from Russian crude, and sanctioning 77 vessels allegedly involved in evading oil restrictions through a so-called “shadow fleet.”
Moscow has condemned the sanctions as unlawful and ineffective, arguing they have driven up EU energy prices and forced the bloc to seek more expensive alternatives, harming Europe’s economic competitiveness.
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