Slovakia weighs EU gas offer amid pressure to back new Russia sanctions

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has revealed that the European Commission (EC) has offered his country a package of "guarantees" in exchange for supporting the EU's 18th round of sanctions against Russia. The proposed deal reportedly involves Slovakia committing to phase out Russian gas supplies.

Fico made the announcement via his official Facebook page, stating that the proposal is currently under review and will be shared with leaders of other political parties in Slovakia. He did not disclose the specific terms of the guarantees but criticised what he described as the EC’s “obsession” with isolating Russia, noting that there is little chance of the Commission withdrawing its gas-related demands.

"This is a fight we cannot win with a 100% result, but it’s one we cannot afford to lose either," Fico said. “If you want to live with wolves, you must howl with them. That’s why we must fight until the very last minute for an acceptable compromise.”

The Slovak leader added that although he would prefer to see the current standoff with Brussels resolved quickly, he still reserves the right to oppose the 18th sanctions package if the final terms fail to serve Slovakia’s national interests.

By Vugar Khalilov