by AI | 10.Jul 2025 | Europe in brief AI

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced that negotiations with the European Commission regarding the ban on the import of Russian gas are ongoing and that an early agreement is possible.

Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico confirmed that negotiations with the European Commission regarding the ban on the import of Russian gas are ongoing. PHOTO: TASR

Bratislava – Slovakia continues to refuse to vote for the 18th package of anti-Russian sanctions and conditions the vote on resolving concerns regarding gas prices, its availability, and compensation for damages that will be caused by the cessation of the flow of Russian gas from January 1, 2028. This was stated by Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) on social media on Thursday, but he also added that he wishes for a swift agreement with the European Commission (EC) that would lead to an adjustment of the proposal to stop the flow of Russian gas, which would protect Slovakia from the worst possible consequences, TASR reports.

“Slovakia is a sovereign country and I cannot allow unnecessary ideological gestures, such as stopping Russian gas, to cause enormous damage to our country. Yes, I must acknowledge that the European Commission is trying to find a solution for Slovakia. In some open issues, we are approaching an agreement, in others we are still far away,” stated the Prime Minister.

A delegation from the EC came to Slovakia last week, which discussed plans to end the import of Russian energy with representatives of businesses and the state. Fico added that as member states of the EU and NATO, we cannot reject everything that comes from these organizations. He warned that on the other hand, he will not agree to everything just to avoid standing out from the crowd.

Slovakia’s rejection of the 18th sanctions package against the Russian Federation in recent days has provoked sharp reactions from several foreign politicians. According to the Prime Minister, we cannot work under pressure and in an atmosphere of unnecessarily strong words and statements. On Wednesday (July 9), the ambassador in Brussels received instructions from the government not to support the 18th sanctions package. Another meeting of the permanent representatives to the EU (COREPER) is scheduled for Friday. Then, next Tuesday, the foreign ministers of the EU member states will meet in Brussels. (July 10)

“Slovakia is a sovereign country and I cannot allow unnecessary ideological gestures, such as stopping Russian gas, to cause enormous damage to our country. Yes, I must acknowledge that the European Commission is trying to find a solution for Slovakia. In some open issues, we are approaching an agreement, in others we are still far away.” Robert Fico