EU fails again to impose new sanctions on Russia, diplomats say

AUTHOR:M.J. GDNUS

The European Union failed for a second day in a row to adopt a new package of sanctions against Russia, as Slovakia continued to demand concessions on gas supplies, four EU diplomats told Reuters.

Slovakia vetoed the adoption of the sanctions during a meeting of EU ambassadors, diplomats familiar with the talks said. Two diplomats said Malta also had some reservations.

The Slovak government said it would not approve the sanctions until it received stronger guarantees that it would not be affected by a separate EU plan to gradually stop imports of Russian gas by the end of 2027.

The gas cut-off plan requires a reinforced majority in the EU to be adopted, meaning Slovakia cannot block it alone. However, sanctions require unanimity from all member states.

“We consider this proposal (the phasing out of Russian energy) as a sanction and therefore naturally link it to the proposal for a… sanctions package,” Prime Minister Robert Fico said in a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, published by his office today.

“We therefore expect that the vote on the 18th package can only take place after a significant part of the risks… in the area of gas supplies from 2028 onwards have been resolved.”

The package would be the 18th in a row that the EU has introduced against Russia over its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

The European Commission, the EU’s executive body, tried to win Slovakia’s support yesterday, with a letter saying it would work to address its concerns.

In his response, Fico said talks should continue to clarify the obligations the Commission would undertake.

Slovakia continues to import Russian energy and often takes pro-Russian positions on Ukraine. She argues that the interruption of Russian gas imports could cause shortages, price increases, higher transit fees, as well as possible claims for compensation from Russian supplier Gazprom.

Fico said yesterday that the best solution would be for Slovakia to be exempted from the plan to cut off Russian energy, so that it could fulfill its contract, which is valid until 2034.