Slovakia has threatened the EU to block sanctions for abandoning Russian raw materials

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has said that his country will block the adoption of a new package of sanctions against Russia if the European Commission does not take into account its position on the issue of abandoning Russian energy resources.

«If they do not consider the implementation of the REPowerEU program, Slovakia will use the right of veto. We see no point in supporting sanctions that worsen the situation in the EU and undermine its competitiveness,» Fico said.

Earlier, Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar said that the country is ready to support new restrictions if they do not harm its economy and the EU provides guarantees in the transition from Russian gas and oil.

The European Commission intends to complete the phase-out of Russian fuel imports to the EU by the end of 2027. Since the start of the implementation of REPowerEU, the share of pipeline gas from the Russian Federation in EU imports has fallen from about 70% to 60%, while the share of LNG has increased to about 40%. At the same time, it was previously noted in Russia that the rejection of Russian raw materials only leads to higher prices in the EU and does not reduce dependence on suppliers – European companies continue to buy oil and gas from Russia, but more expensive and through intermediaries.