**Slovakia Seeks EU Guarantees on Russian Gas Phase-Out Ahead of Sanctions Deal**
In a bid to secure guarantees related to ending Russian gas imports, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has said that his country hopes to strike a deal with the European Commission and other EU partners by July 15. This comes as the European Union prepares to approve its 18th sanctions package against Russia.
The proposed sanctions target Moscow’s energy revenues, banks, and military industries in response to Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. However, Slovakia has effectively tied approval of these sanctions to a separate European Commission plan to fully phase out Russian gas imports by 2028. The Slovak government has blocked the sanctions proposal due to concerns about this energy issue.
“We need to win something in this fight, though it will not be a 100-0 result,” Fico said, emphasizing that his country wants political commitments and guarantees from partners and the European Commission that Slovakia’s energy problems will be addressed. Discussions between Fico and other EU leaders, including Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, remain ongoing.
At issue is capping transit fees that Slovakia would have to pay for importing non-Russian gas via alternative routes. Currently, Slovakia receives part of its gas through a long-term contract with Russian energy giant Gazprom, which is valid until 2034 and secures roughly 3.5 billion cubic meters of gas annually. Since Ukraine halted the transit of Russian gas through its territory at the end of 2024, Slovakia has relied on deliveries via the TurkStream pipeline and Hungary.
**Energy Costs a Major Concern**
Fico’s comments come as relations between Slovakia and Ukraine have deteriorated. Fico has repeatedly questioned the effectiveness of sanctions on Russia since winning elections in 2023 and has halted military aid to Kyiv. He even went so far as to say that he has no intention of meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, claiming Zelensky “hates” him.
Energy costs are a major concern for Fico, who stressed that his task is to ensure gas prices in Slovakia do not rise because of Ukraine. This position stands in contrast to previous pro-Ukraine policies pursued by the Slovak government.
**What’s at Stake**
If Slovakia lifts its veto, the sanctions could be approved as soon as July 15 during a meeting of EU foreign ministers. The stakes are high, with the proposed sanctions package targeting Moscow’s energy revenues and military industries.
While Fico has said that Ukraine’s EU membership could ultimately benefit Slovakia, he has deferred top-level bilateral talks to Slovak President Peter Pellegrini. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing discussions between Fico and other EU leaders.
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