The European Commission has pledged to address Slovakia’s concerns over the planned phase-out of Russian gas by 2028, aiming to secure support for its latest sanctions package against Moscow.
Slovakia has been holding up the sanctions package, warning that quitting Russian gas could lead to supply shortages, higher prices.
In a letter European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen assured Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico that the EU will clarify how an emergency mechanism could be triggered if gas prices surge.
The Commission also committed to reducing Slovakia’s cross-border gas and oil tariffs and expressed readiness to assist in case of legal disputes resulting from the gas phase-out.
The letter emphasized that Brussels is coordinating closely with countries most affected, particularly Slovakia—to ensure the transition is gradual and well-managed.
The EU hopes to finalize the sanctions package during Tuesday’s meeting of foreign ministers, which requires unanimous backing from all 27 member states.
However, Slovakia alone cannot block the gas ban, as it only needs a reinforced majority to pass.
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