Prime Minister Fico Slaps Veto Threat on EU Over Russia Sanctions, Citing Energy Crisis
Slovak Prime Minister Fico implies potential blockade of EU penalties
In a bold move, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has put a hold on the proposed 18th EU sanctions package against Russia. The reason? A complete severance of gas supply contracts with Russia, set to commence from January 1, 2028, as outlined in the package, is concerning for Fico. However, he voiced support for all other EU initiatives, including further backing for Ukraine, during a chat with Slovak journalists in Bratislava before his journey to Brussels.
A clean break from Russian gas could prove devastating for Slovakia, according to Fico, who urged listeners to take heed of the situation. "Listen up closely," he said, "We don't have direct access to LNG terminals. A potential shortage could lead to escalating prices. The RePowerEU concept is purely an ideological fantasy."
Fico made it clear that Slovakia would back the sanctions package only if the European Commission presents a feasible resolution to the energy emergency that Slovakia would be left to face post the cancellation of these Russian energy supplies.
The Slovak parliament has passed a non-binding resolution urging the government to block any sanctions that jeopardize the nation's economy. The country's economy is grappling with the consequences of high energy prices, supply chain disruptions, and the impact of previous sanctions on Russia.
Since Fico assumed office in 2023, Slovakia's stance on Ukraine has shifted from pro-Ukraine to a more critical review of EU sanctions on Moscow. While Slovakia has agreed to previous sanctions, Fico has drawn a line at measures that would halt the import of Russian fuel vital to Slovakia's energy sector.
Fico's veto threat is rooted in guarding Slovakia's national economic and energy interests, given the country's significant dependence on Russian gas and nuclear fuel. Without a reliable plan or alternative sources to secure these energy supplies, Slovakia is hesitant to endorse additional EU sanctions that could trigger a severe homegrown energy crisis.
[Sources: ntv.de, dpa]
[1] Slovakia is heavily dependent on Russian energy resources, including gas, oil, and nuclear fuel. A complete phase-out of Russian gas supply contracts would create a crisis in Slovakia's energy supply.[2] Slovakia's parliament has passed a non-binding resolution in support of the government's decision to block sanctions that would have a detrimental impact on the economy.[3] Slovakia has reversed its pro-Ukraine stance since 2023, ending military aid to Kyiv and reviewing EU sanctions on Russia. The country will not support measures that would halt Russian fuel imports essential to its energy sector.[4] Slovakia is suffering from the economic consequences of high energy prices, supply chain disruptions, and previous sanctions imposed on Russia.[5] Slovakia requires guarantees or alternatives to secure its energy supplies before agreeing to any further EU sanctions on Russia.
- Given the heavy reliance of Slovakia on Russian energy resources such as gas, oil, and nuclear fuel, any complete phase-out of Russian gas supply contracts could lead to a crisis in Slovakia's energy supply.
- In light of the potential economic impact of high energy prices, supply chain disruptions, and previous sanctions on Russia, the Slovak parliament has passed a non-binding resolution in support of the government's decision to block sanctions that would have a detrimental impact on the Slovak economy.
