Slovakia Stands Strong: Threatening to Halt EU Sanctions Against Russia Over Gas Supplies
Slovakia persists in enforcing trade restrictions against Russia
Slovakia’s prime minister, Robert Fico, has thrown a wrench in the EU's plans to adopt a new sanctions package against Russia, causing a stir among pro-Kremlin leaders. While Fico supports further aid to Ukraine, unlike Hungary's Prime Minister Orban, he's unwilling to cut ties with Russian gas.
In Bratislava, before his departure to Brussels, Fico warned that a total departure from Russian gas supplies would be detrimental to Slovakia, not Russia. He pointed out that Slovakia lacks direct access to liquid gas terminals, leading to potential shortages and soaring prices. Fico referred to the EU's RePowerEU plan as an "ideological idea" and expressed concern over potential legal issues involved.
Slovakia has a gas supply contract with Russia's Gazprom that extends until 2034 – a contract the EU Commission aims to terminate under the premise of "force majeure." Fico argued that this justification would be invalid in an international arbitration court, potentially leaving Slovakia facing billion-dollar fines unless the EU guaranteed coverage.
As an inland country bordering Ukraine and heavily dependent on Russian raw material supplies, Slovakia is one of the most affected EU and NATO nations. Fico has previously criticized individual EU sanctions for hurting Slovakia more than Russia. Unlike Hungary, Slovakia has agreed to all Russia sanctions resolutions so far, receiving an exception permit from the EU, just like Hungary and initially the Czech Republic. However, this exception may be withdrawn with the proposed new sanctions package.
Slovakia is not unequivocally against the sanctions, but insists they must account for the consequences of the Russian energy import ban on its own economy. Offsetting the negative economic and social impacts of the energy phase-out is a critical demand from the Slovak government. This government may leverage its veto power over the sanctions package to secure financial support or official commitments from the EU to address these concerns.
Sources: ntv.de, uzh/dpa
- Slovakia
- Ukraine Invasion
- Ukraine
- Russia
- Brussels
- Gazprom
- Gas
- Gas Supplies
[1] Slovakia Demands Compensation for EU Gas Sanctions - bur-ev.de[4] Slovakia to Oppose EU Gas Sanctions if No Financial Compensation - reuters.com[5] Slovakia Threatens Veto on EU Sanctions Package over Gas Exit - politico.eu
- The community policy regarding the new sanctions package against Russia is under debate in Brussels, with Slovakia's prime minister, Robert Fico, threatening to veto the proposal due to concerns about economic and monetary union implications, especially regarding potential financial compensation for the detrimental effects on Slovakia's gas-dependent economy.
- Despite Slovakia's agreement with all previous Russia sanctions resolutions, current debate surrounds the proposed new sanctions package, as Slovakia expresses a need for adequate economic and monetary union measures to offset the potential negative impacts on its own economy and social welfare, particularly in light of Slovakia's gas supply contract with Gazprom.
