The European Union (EU) did not approve a new package of sanctions against Russia on Monday, as Slovakia demanded more guarantees that it would not be harmed by a separate EU plan to phase out Russian gas, Reuters reports.
The European Commission (EC), the EU's executive body, said in a letter seen by Reuters and later published by the office of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico that it would work to address Slovakia's concerns as it tries to reach an agreement on EU sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.
The Slovak representative at today's meeting of EU foreign ministers was tasked with requesting a postponement of the planned vote on sanctions, Fico said in a statement.
"The ruling coalition rejects the EC's imbecile proposal to stop the flow of Russian gas from 2028. However, it is ready to negotiate guarantees that will provide Slovakia with some comfort in gas supplies after 2028," Fico said.
EU foreign policy and security chief Kaja Kalas, speaking after a meeting of foreign ministers, said she was "really sad" that sanctions were not approved, adding that "the ball is in Slovakia's court." She added that she hoped an agreement on sanctions could be reached on Wednesday.
Slovakia has blocked the latest sanctions package – which requires unanimous approval by EU member states – until its concerns about the EU proposal to phase out Russian gas imports by January 1, 2028, are addressed.
Slovakia, which continues to import Russian energy and often takes pro-Russian stances on Ukraine, argues that giving up Russian gas could cause shortages, increase prices and transit fees, and lead to claims for damages from Russian supplier Gazprom.
In his statement calling for a postponement of the vote on sanctions, Fico blamed Slovak opposition parties for calling the EU proposals insufficient.
However, Slovakia's largest opposition party supported the EU's approach to sanctions against Russia and criticized Fico's government today for not already diversifying energy supplies from Russia, as others in the EU have done.
Slovakia has warned of the potential legal costs of terminating the gas contract with Gazprom, and Fico added that the best solution would be an exemption in the phasing out of Russian energy for Slovakia to allow it to fulfill its contract, which runs until 2034.
The Commission stated in its letter that it would be prepared to intervene if necessary during a potential legal dispute. But it did not offer an exemption.
According to the letter, the Commission will clarify how an "emergency pause" can be triggered if gas prices jump due to scarce supply during the phasing out of Russian gas.
Brussels will also develop a solution aimed at reducing the cost of cross-border gas and oil tariffs for Slovakia, the letter, dated Tuesday, said.
EU proposals to ban Russian gas until 2028 - with a phase-out starting next year - require the support of a supermajority of countries to be adopted, meaning Slovakia alone cannot block them with a veto.
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