Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has said he will not support the European Union’s 19th sanctions package against Russia unless Brussels meets specific demands. Speaking on September 11 after talks with European Council President António Costa, Fico insisted that Slovakia requires clear proposals on reconciling EU climate goals with the needs of the automotive and heavy industries, both domestically and across the bloc. He also tied his support to measures aimed at curbing rising electricity prices across Europe. According to Deutsche Welle, Bratislava has previously delayed adoption of sanctions by using similar tactics during negotiations on the 18th package.
Fico questions effectiveness of sanctions
Fico expressed doubt that restrictive measures can alter Moscow’s position and reiterated his opposition to supplying military aid to Ukraine. His remarks underline a broader pattern: while Slovakia remains an EU and NATO member, its government increasingly aligns its rhetoric with Moscow. Alongside Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, Fico is one of the few EU leaders maintaining direct, cordial contact with Vladimir Putin.
Energy ties and populist agenda
Slovakia’s stance is strongly influenced by its long-term dependence on Russian gas. The country has a supply contract with Gazprom running until 2034 for about 3.5 billion cubic meters annually, delivered through Turkey and Hungary after the shutdown of Ukrainian transit. Fico’s party relies on a populist platform often critical of Brussels, portraying EU policies as coercive. Some officials have gone further, sparking outrage among partners by suggesting that Russia would be a “reliable neighbor” if it occupied Kyiv.
Risks for EU unity
So far, Slovakia has not vetoed any sanctions package outright but frequently pushes for delays and attaches new conditions. This approach allows Bratislava to balance its image as an EU member while keeping economic links with Russia. However, many European leaders view such behavior as weakening EU unity and playing into Moscow’s hands. They argue that Slovakia’s dependence on Russian energy should drive diversification, not serve as a justification for obstructing sanctions during Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.
