Slovakia and the EC are partially nearing agreement on Russian gas, Fico says

Bratislava, 10 July (CTK correspondent) - Slovakia and the European Commission (EC) are gradually nearing agreement on some aspects of the Commission’s proposal to phase out imports of Russian gas into the EU by the end of 2027, while they remain far apart on others. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said this today. In connection with the EC’s proposal, Bratislava is blocking approval of a new package of EU sanctions against Russia over its continued military aggression against Ukraine.

"On some outstanding issues, we are nearing agreement; on others, we are still far apart. I wish for an early agreement with the Commission that would lead to an adjustment of its proposal to halt the flow of Russian gas in a way that would protect us from the worst possible impacts," Fico said in a recording (from the 9th

minute) on social media.

Fico did not provide details about Slovakia’s talks with the EC. He reiterated that Slovakia’s concerns about the development of gas prices and the availability of the commodity need to be addressed, as well as compensation for the damage caused by the proposed halt to Russian gas imports.

Slovakia has a contract for Russian gas supplies through 2034. Until the end of last year, Bratislava received Russian gas via Ukraine, which did not renew its transit contract with Russia. This year, Russian energy company Gazprom began supplying gas to Slovakia via Turkey and other countries, but the capacity of this pipeline connection is insufficient.

Individual measures concerning the ban on imports of Russian gas into the EU will be approved by qualified majority. This will make it possible to outvote Slovakia and Hungary, which take a similar position on the issue.

However, the approval or extension of sanctions against Russia requires unanimity among the EU’s 27 member states. The proposed 18th package of sanctions against Russia envisages further restrictions on the Russian energy and banking sectors, a lower price cap on Russian oil, and a ban on the use of Nord Stream pipeline infrastructure. Fico has long maintained that sanctions against Russia are not working.