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Slovakia Blocks EU’s 18th Russia Sanctions Over Demand for Long-Term Gas Exemption

Brussels refuses to grant Slovakia a bespoke gas exemption from the sanctions package.

European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas arrives at the 5th EU-Southern Neighbourhood Ministerial meeting in Brussels, Belgium, July 14, 2025. REUTERS/Yves Herman/File Photo
Plastic letters arranged to read "Sanctions" are placed in front of EU and Russia's flag colors in this illustration taken February 25, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
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Overview

  • The 18th sanctions package proposes banning transactions with Russia’s Nord Stream pipelines, targeting banks that enable sanctions circumvention, and imposing a floating oil price cap 15% below average market rates.
  • On July 15, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico vetoed the package to demand a legal exemption for Gazprom contracts running through 2034, warning of a potential €16–20 billion lawsuit if agreements are terminated.
  • President Ursula von der Leyen offered state aid and an “emergency break” mechanism for extreme gas price spikes but declined to provide Slovakia with a tailor-made exemption.
  • High Representative Kaja Kallas said technical discussions are ongoing and expressed optimism that member states could reach a decision by the end of the week.
  • EU rules require unanimous approval for sanctions, giving landlocked and eastern members like Slovakia and Hungary the power to block measures until their energy security concerns are addressed.