Slovakia ties Russia sanctions support to EU gas guarantees

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico says Bratislava will only back the EU’s 18th sanctions package on Russia if it secures guarantees for future gas supplies, citing national energy interests.

Slovakia’s government is conditioning its support for the EU’s latest sanctions on Russia on firm guarantees that it will continue to receive adequate and affordable gas supplies once Russian imports are phased out by 2028.

In a letter to Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, Slovak Premier Robert Fico asserted Slovakia's sovereign right to protect its energy security, linking the 18th sanctions package to the European Commission’s proposal to end all Russian gas deliveries by January 1, 2028.

Fico stressed that national interests must be respected: “We are requesting that the relevant stakeholders provide the Slovak Republic with the necessary guarantees … This is a matter of Slovak national interest.”

He also proposed a joint meeting between the Slovak and Czech governments to ease tensions. In response, Fiala urged Slovakia not to obstruct EU-wide measures, warning that unilateral opposition could isolate Bratislava within the bloc.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz echoed those concerns, urging Slovakia to lift its objections and allow the sanctions package to proceed.

The proposed 18th sanctions package includes expanded trade restrictions, asset freezes, and targeted measures against industries linked to Russia’s war effort. However, its adoption has been delayed multiple times due to Slovakia’s reservations.

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