Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s government coalition has rejected the European Commission’s proposal to halt Russian gas flows by 2028, causing delays in the EU’s efforts to implement new sanctions against Russia. This decision highlights growing internal divisions within the EU as member states debate the effectiveness and timing of sanctions against Moscow.
The rejection of the plan by Slovakia underscores the challenges in achieving consensus among EU nations, particularly as some countries prioritize energy security over imposing further economic pressure on Russia. Fico’s government, which is part of a broader coalition including the left-wing Smer-SD party, has argued that the proposed sanctions are too stringent and could harm European energy markets in the short term.
Analysts suggest that the delay in sanctioning Russia reflects a broader uncertainty in the EU’s strategic approach to dealing with Moscow, with some members favoring a more aggressive stance while others seek to balance economic considerations with geopolitical concerns. The outcome of this debate could have significant implications for both European energy policy and the broader sanctions strategy against Russia.