Slovakia lifts veto, clearing way for EU’s 18th sanctions package against Russia

Slovakia has lifted its veto on the European Union’s latest sanctions package against Russia, allowing the bloc to adopt its 18th round of punitive measures targeting Moscow’s energy and financial sectors. The breakthrough came after weeks of tense negotiations between Bratislava and Brussels over the EU’s proposed phase-out of Russian fossil fuels.

The sanctions, endorsed by EU ambassadors in Brussels on July 18, include a ban on transactions with 22 Russian banks, the Russian Direct Investment Fund and its subsidiaries, and any use of the Nord Stream pipelines, which remain closed but are still seen by Russia as a potential future energy route. High Representative Kaja Kallas described the package as one of the EU’s “strongest” to date, Caliber.Az reports via EuroNews.

Slovakia had been blocking the sanctions in protest over the Commission’s plan to phase out Russian fossil fuels by 2027, a move that Prime Minister Robert Fico warned would harm Slovakia’s economy and energy security.

Fico argued that Slovakia could face legal action from Gazprom worth up to €20 billion over the premature termination of a long-term gas contract that runs until 2034. Although the Commission maintains that the bans would count as “force majeure” in court, Fico insisted on firmer guarantees.

"Their response is that the Commission's guarantees to Slovakia are insufficient – some even described them as NOTHING," Fico said, referring to his coalition partners' rejection of reassurances sent by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a confidential letter.

Von der Leyen’s three-page letter outlined potential support measures, including EU funds and state aid to cushion the impact of rising energy prices, as well as clearer criteria for triggering an “emergency break” in case of extreme price volatility. However, the letter did not include a dedicated financial package for Slovakia.

Despite describing the Commission’s outreach as “constructive,” Fico initially held firm, demanding a complete exemption from the fossil fuel phase-out. The stalemate prompted intervention from German Chancellor Friderich Merz and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

Ultimately, mounting pressure led Fico to drop his opposition.

“At this point, it would be counterproductive to continue blocking the 18th sanctions package,” he said on July 18. “All options have been exhausted for now, and remaining in our blocking position would already endanger our interests.”

Nevertheless, Fico made clear that the dispute is far from over.

“The second stage of our battle with the European Commission on the issue of Russian gas begins,” he said. “We have a clear plan for fulfilling our national interests.”

By Sabina Mammadli