What is Slovakia's position on the new EU sanctions package?

Slovakia will not support the new EU sanctions package on Russia and is demanding a delay in the vote until its concerns over gas supplies after 2027 are addressed.

Why are Slovakia and Hungary opposing the sanctions?

Both Slovakia and Hungary oppose the sanctions due to disagreements with the European Commission's proposals to end Russian energy imports by the end of 2027, which would require them to find alternative energy sources.

What are the potential consequences of the new sanctions according to Slovakia's Prime Minister?

Prime Minister Fico warned that the new sanctions could lead to supply shortages, price increases, and significant financial losses from arbitration for breaching long-term contracts.

What did Fico say about voting on the sanctions?

Fico stated that Slovakia would not vote on the 18th sanctions package, emphasizing that they view it as interconnected with the end of Russian energy imports.

What is required for the sanctions proposals to be adopted in the EU?

The sanctions proposals require unanimity among EU member states for adoption, which has led to Hungary frequently threatening to withhold its approval.

Editorial & Advertiser disclosure

Global Banking & Finance Review® is an online platform offering news, analysis, and opinion on the latest trends, developments, and innovations in the banking and finance industry worldwide. The platform covers a diverse range of topics, including banking, insurance, investment, wealth management, fintech, and regulatory issues. The website publishes news, press releases, opinion and advertorials on various financial organizations, products and services which are commissioned from various Companies, Organizations, PR agencies, Bloggers etc. These commissioned articles are commercial in nature. This is not to be considered as financial advice and should be considered only for information purposes. It does not reflect the views or opinion of our website and is not to be considered an endorsement or a recommendation. We cannot guarantee the accuracy or applicability of any information provided with respect to your individual or personal circumstances. Please seek Professional advice from a qualified professional before making any financial decisions. We link to various third-party websites, affiliate sales networks, and to our advertising partners websites. When you view or click on certain links available on our articles, our partners may compensate us for displaying the content to you or make a purchase or fill a form. This will not incur any additional charges to you. To make things simpler for you to identity or distinguish advertised or sponsored articles or links, you may consider all articles or links hosted on our site as a commercial article placement. We will not be responsible for any loss you may suffer as a result of any omission or inaccuracy on the website.

Home > Headlines > Slovakia demands delay in vote on Russian sanctions over energy concerns

Headlines

Slovakia demands delay in vote on Russian sanctions over energy concerns

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®

Posted on June 26, 2025

2 min read

Last updated: January 23, 2026

Italian consortium acquiring Esso fuel stations in strategic financial deal - Global Banking & Finance Review — The image depicts the acquisition of Esso's 1,200 fuel stations by an Italian consortium, highlighting the strategic impact on Italy's fuel distribution network.

Slovakia Seeks Delay in EU Vote on Russian Sanctions Due to Energy Issues

(Reuters) -Slovakia will not support a new European Union sanctions package on Russia and will demand a delay in the vote until Slovak concerns over gas supplies after 2027 are resolved, Prime Minister Robert Fico said on Thursday.

The European Commission on June 10 proposed a new round of sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine more than three years ago, targeting Moscow's energy revenues, banks and military industry.

Slovakia and Hungary have opposed the sanctions due to their disagreement with Commission proposals to end Russian energy imports by the end of 2027, which would force the two countries to look for alternatives.

European diplomats have said they expect the issue to be resolved at the summit.

Fico reiterated his position that the new sanctions could lead to supply shortages and price increases as well as up to 20 billion euros ($23.4 billion) in losses from arbitration for breaching a long-term contract with Russian supplier Gazprom.

Fico said he would back the summit's conclusions, but he would still not agree to the sanctions now.

"Tomorrow, Slovakia will not vote on the 18th sanctions package," he told a parliamentary committee on Thursday before he left for the summit. "We consider it to be one package with (the end of imports plan) and until fundamental issues are resolved, we cannot adopt further sanctions."

Fico met European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday but it was not known if that changed his position.

Polish European Affairs Minister Adam Szlapka said at the summit he hoped Slovakia and Hungary could be brought on board as they had been in the past.

"As in the previous sanction packages, I am optimistic here, we are working on it," he said. "I hope that it will be possible to close it by the end of the (EU) Polish presidency, and as we know, there are four days left."

Sanctions proposals require unanimity in the bloc for adoption. Hungary has frequently threatened to withhold its approval during discussions on aid for Ukraine as well as on sanctions renewals, which take place every six months.

($1 = 0.8536 euros)

(Reporting by Jan Lopatka in Prague, additional reporting by Julia Payne and Lili Bayer in Brussels, editing by Ed Osmond)

Slovakia demands delay in vote on Russian sanctions over energy concerns

Quick Summary

Slovakia Seeks Delay in EU Vote on Russian Sanctions Due to Energy Issues

Key Takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions about Slovakia demands delay in vote on Russian sanctions over energy concerns