Slovakia Aligns with EU on Stricter Sanctions Against Russia

After weeks of tense negotiations and repeated blockades, Slovakia has confirmed it will no longer obstruct the European Union’s 18th package of sanctions against Russia. The announcement by Prime Minister Robert Fico on July 17 clears the path for the long-awaited measures to be formally adopted, marking a crucial moment for EU unity in its response to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.

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

Fico stated in a Facebook post on July 17, as reported by DW. This move comes after Slovakia had vetoed the draft package six times.

Fico confirmed that the European Commission delivered written guarantees designed to mitigate risks concerning gas prices, potential shortages, and transit fees. These assurances also reportedly include mechanisms for an “emergency break” if gas prices experience extreme spikes, and provisions for legal disputes.

Bratislava’s principal objection stemmed from a separate EU plan, known as REPowerEU, which aims to end the bloc’s reliance on Russian gas imports by 2028. Slovakia had previously sought an exemption to continue purchasing Russian gas under its long-term contract with Gazprom until 2034.

The 18th sanctions package, initially proposed by the European Commission in June, targets Russia’s energy revenue, banks, and military industry. Key measures include:

• A new, lower price cap on Russian oil: The cap is expected to be reduced from $60 to $47 per barrel, calculated as 15% below the average market price of crude in the preceding three months and subject to bi-annual revisions.
• A ban on transactions with Nord Stream pipelines: This measure aims to prevent any direct or indirect engagement by EU operators with both Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines.
• Expanded financial restrictions: The package transforms existing prohibitions on using the SWIFT system into a full transaction ban for an additional 22 Russian banks. It also targets financial operators in third countries involved in circumvention of sanctions, and includes the Russian Direct Investment Fund and its subsidiaries.
• Broader export bans: Restrictions on exports of critical technologies and industrial goods to Russia, valued at over €2.5 billion, are also part of the package, encompassing machinery, metals, plastics, and chemicals vital for military and industrial use.

EU ambassadors are expected to meet on July 18 to formally approve the new measures, with Malta also having agreed to support the sanctions after previously expressing reservations about the oil price cap.