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Slovakia agrees to EU sanctions package after six vetoes

After extensive negotiations, Slovakia is ready to support the EU's 18th sanctions package against Russia.

July 17, 2025 at 10:30 PM

Slovakia agrees to approve EU's 18th sanctions package against Russia, Fico says

Slovakia has changed its stance and is ready to support the EU's sanctions against Russia after prolonged resistance.

Slovakia prepares to support EU's sanctions package against Russia

Slovakia is prepared to approve the EU's 18th sanctions package against Russia after blocking the measure six times. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that all negotiating options have been exhausted. The EU has struggled to pass the package due to Slovakia's opposition, grounded in concerns about the transition away from Russian gas. Fico revealed that written assurances from the European Commission about the gas phase-out partly swayed Slovakia's decision. The sanctions are expected to include a new oil price cap, lowering the maximum price per barrel significantly, as reported by Reuters.

Key Takeaways

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Slovakia vetoed the sanctions package six times before agreeing to support it.

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The EU's initiative is part of ongoing efforts to impose penalties on Russia amid ongoing conflict.

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Fico emphasized that negotiations had exhausted all options before this decision.

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Written guarantees from the EU on gas transition influenced Slovakia's change of heart.

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The sanctions package will include a new lower cap on Russian oil prices.

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The decision reflects both political and economic pressures within EU member states.

"All negotiating options have been exhausted for now, and continuing our blocking position would now endanger our interests."

This reflects Fico's reasoning for supporting the sanctions after prolonged opposition.

"Dear friends, despite the huge fire, threats, harsh words, and criticism, we vetoed the draft of the 18th sanctions package six times."

Fico emphasizes the difficulties Slovakia faced in maintaining its veto stance.

Slovakia's shift marks a significant moment in EU-Russia relations, showing the complexities of balancing national interests with collective responses to aggression. Fico's previous alignment with Moscow highlights the political sensitivities tied to energy dependence. This move could open up new debates within the EU about energy security and the financial support needed for transitioning away from Russian imports. Furthermore, it raises questions about how much pressure individual member states can exert on EU-wide decisions while navigating local economic concerns.

Highlights

Slovakia finally shifts stance on EU sanctions after six vetoes.
Fico: All negotiating options have been exhausted now.
A new oil price cap marks a turning point in EU-Russia relations.
Energy security concerns drive Slovakia's change on sanctions.

Concerns over energy security and political backlash

Slovakia's change of position may provoke backlash domestically, especially concerning energy security and financial implications of sanctions compliance.

The road ahead for EU sanctions will depend on continued solidarity among member states.

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eu sanctions russia energy policy slovakia foreign relations politics international relations energy

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