Slovakia is seeking assurances from the EU regarding its transition away from Russian energy sources.
Citing the Foreign Ministry, Slovak media outlets report that Slovakia has, for the second time, stalled the EU’s 18th sanctions package targeting Russia, expressing concerns about the planned phase-out of Russian energy.
According to the TASR news agency, Bratislava vetoed the package on Friday during a vote by the EU’s Committee of Permanent Representatives. The Foreign Ministry stated that Slovakia will continue to oppose the package until it receives concrete guarantees from Brussels that the energy transition will not negatively impact its economy.
At the heart of the dispute is the European Commission’s RePowerEU plan, which aims to eliminate Russian energy imports by 2028. This plan is being discussed in conjunction with the new sanctions package targeting Russia’s energy and financial sectors. While Brussels reportedly intends to present the phase-out as trade legislation—requiring only a qualified majority vote—Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico maintains it should be treated as sanctions, which require unanimous approval.
The Foreign Ministry stated that Slovak authorities, energy companies, and industry leaders view the energy transition as “a major challenge for the competitiveness of the economy, especially from the perspective of energy prices and energy security.” The ministry added that while Bratislava is open to further discussions, the current negotiations have not addressed its “fundamental concerns and reservations,” emphasizing the need for a plan that “benefits citizens and businesses.”
A team of European Commission experts reportedly visited Slovakia this week to discuss energy issues.
Fico previously stated that the energy transition would threaten energy security and drive up prices. He also mentioned the risk of disputes with Russia’s Gazprom if Slovakia terminates its long-term contract, potentially incurring penalties of up to €20 billion ($23 billion).
Hungary also opposes the plan. Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stated that Budapest and Bratislava jointly blocked the package at last week’s foreign ministers’ meeting, warning that the energy cuts would “destroy Hungary’s energy security” and lead to significant price increases.
The European Commission introduced its 18th sanctions package in early June, presenting it as an effort to pressure Russia to end the conflict in Ukraine. The proposed measures include lowering the Russian oil price cap from $60 to $45 per barrel, prohibiting the future use of the Nord Stream pipeline, restricting imports of refined products made from Russian crude, and sanctioning 77 vessels allegedly part of a Russian ‘shadow fleet’. The EU also extended existing sanctions for another six months earlier this week.
Moscow has condemned the sanctions, deeming them illegal and counterproductive. Russian officials have warned that the EU’s rejection of Russian energy will force it to rely on more expensive imports or rerouted Russian energy through intermediaries, leading to increased prices.
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