Slovakia’s PM Fico Blocks New EU Russia Sanctions, Demands Concessions for Auto and Energy Sectors
In a move that threatens European Union unity, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has blocked a new package of EU sanctions against Russia, demanding concrete action to address the bloc’s economic competitiveness before he will lend his support.
The veto sets the stage for a major clash at the upcoming EU leaders’ summit, where support for Ukraine and Russia sanctions policy are top agenda items.
What the New EU Sanctions Package Targets
The proposed 14th EU sanctions package, which had been in negotiation for weeks, aims to close loopholes in existing measures and target new sectors of the Russian economy. Key elements include:
A ban on trans-shipments of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) through EU ports.
Restrictions on Russia’s “shadow fleet” of tankers used to circumvent the oil price cap.
Measures against cryptocurrency platforms facilitating Russian transactions.
New constraints on the movement of Russian diplomats within the EU.
After resolving numerous technical details, the package was poised for a final vote by EU member states. However, during a meeting of EU ambassadors in Brussels, Slovakia formally announced its intention to block the measures.
Fico’s Demands: Automotive Industry and Energy Prices
Prime Minister Fico, speaking after a call with European Council President António Costa, expressed frustration that the summit’s focus remains on Ukraine while, in his view, pressing economic issues are sidelined.
“I am not interested in dealing with new sanctions packages against Russia until I see … political instructions … on how to address the crisis in the automotive industry and the high energy prices that are making the European economy completely uncompetitive,” Fico stated.
He vowed not to accept vague summit conclusions that prioritize Ukraine without offering concrete solutions for European industries. While draft summit conclusions do mention “Competitiveness” and addressing high energy costs, Fico insists Slovakia will table more specific proposals ahead of the meeting on October 23.
A Repeat Strategy: Using a Veto as Leverage
This is not the first time Slovakia under Fico has used its veto power as leverage. In a previous sanctions round, Fico only withdrew his blockade after securing soft assurances from the European Commission about the phase-out of Russian fossil fuels.
Like its neighbor Hungary, Slovakia remains heavily reliant on Russian energy and has opposed the EU’s planned full transition away from Moscow’s supplies by 2027. Fico’s previous veto was dropped after he received a non-binding letter from the Commission hinting at potential state aid to offset energy costs.
Now, Fico is expanding his demands to include Europe’s manufacturing base. He has specifically raised objections to the EU law mandating a ban on new internal-combustion engine cars by 2035—a policy also facing growing criticism from German conservatives.
Complications from Austria
Further complicating the sanctions package is Austria, which is pushing for a concession to unfreeze the shares of a blacklisted Russian firm, Rasperia Trading. This move is intended to compensate Raiffeisen Bank International for a €2.1 billion judgment it lost in a Moscow court.
This demand has sparked concern among other EU states, who fear it could set a dangerous precedent, encouraging other sanction-hit companies to seek similar exemptions. Austria maintains it is fully committed to the sanctions regime while also protecting its national corporate interests.
With Fico’s veto, months of diplomatic groundwork now face a critical test. The upcoming EU summit will become a high-stakes arena where the bloc’s commitment to pressuring Russia will be weighed against the internal economic grievances of its member states.
