Slovakia has confirmed that it will not block the adoption of the 18th sanctions package of the European Union against the Russian Federation. This was announced by Prime Minister Robert Fico in his video address on July 17, noting that Bratislava has received guarantees of support from the EU regarding energy security, particularly in the context of phasing out imports of Russian gas.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Slovakia’s Position on EU Energy Policy
The head of the Slovak government criticized the European Commission’s idea to stop importing Russian gas by 2028. He explained that such an initiative could lead to a shortage of energy resources, increased prices for consumers, and higher transit fees. Additionally, Slovakia is concerned about potential claims from the Russian supplier Gazprom for compensation in the event of a contract termination.
“It would be counterproductive to continue blocking the 18th sanctions package tomorrow,” he stated.
Details of the 18th Sanctions Package and Further EU Actions
Slovakia had previously blocked the approval of the new sanctions package, demanding that its energy concerns be taken into account. The European Commission’s proposal for a complete phase-out of Russian energy sources by 2028 requires the support of a majority of EU countries but does not necessitate unanimity. At the same time, the sanctions against Russia require absolute support from all member states, which has allowed Bratislava to influence the process.
Among the key provisions of the 18th sanctions package is the reduction of the price cap on Russian oil from $60 to $45 per barrel. This policy is being coordinated within the Group of Seven (G7), and to implement it, the EU is seeking support from other G7 countries, including the United States, with relevant consultations taking place during the June summit in Canada.