Slovakia stands firm against EU sanctions on Russian nuclear energy sector

Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico announced his country's firm opposition to any potential European Union sanctions targeting Russia’s nuclear energy sector.

Speaking to journalists following the EU summit, Fico underscored the strategic importance of Russian nuclear cooperation to Slovakia’s energy security, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

“If any sanctions against the Russian Federation are adopted in the future, and if they concern the peaceful atom programme, I will block such sanctions,” Fico stated. “Our nuclear power plants are Russian-origin plants, whether we like it or not. Cooperation has a long tradition, and any sanctions that could jeopardize our nuclear programme in Slovakia are unacceptable.”

Slovakia operates two key nuclear facilities — Mochovce and Bohunice — built with Soviet and Russian assistance.

In 2023, Slovakia’s Foreign and European Affairs Minister, Juraj Blanár, reiterated the country’s stance, opposing the inclusion of nuclear fuel in the EU's sanctions framework. He emphasized that targeting nuclear fuel would cross a “red line,” as it would negatively impact Slovakia’s energy infrastructure and security.

Slovakia is not alone in its resistance. Hungary has also voiced its opposition, with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó declaring that nuclear energy must remain exempt from sanctions. He asserted that Hungary would not consent to any measures restricting nuclear cooperation, given its own reliance on Russian nuclear technology.

Meanwhile, the EU recently adopted its 15th package of anti-Russian sanctions on December 16. This latest round targets 54 individuals and 30 organizations, including entities from China, India, the UAE, and Serbia, aiming to curb Russia's alleged circumvention of oil price caps through a “shadow fleet of tankers.”

By Tamilla Hasanova