Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has declared his intention to veto the European Union’s proposed 20th package of sanctions against Russia, posing a potential hurdle to the bloc’s unified response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Fico, who returned to power last year after elections, has consistently criticized the EU’s approach to the war, advocating for diplomacy over further economic penalties. His government has argued that sanctions have disproportionately affected European economies while failing to curb Moscow’s aggression.
“The Slovak position is clear: we cannot support measures that harm our own interests without a clear path to peace,” a source within the Slovak administration told reporters on condition of anonymity. EU officials, speaking off the record, expressed concern that Fico’s stance could embolden other member states with reservations about the sanctions.
Background: The EU has imposed 19 rounds of sanctions on Russia since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, targeting key sectors like energy, finance, and technology. Slovakia, while historically aligned with Western allies, has seen a shift under Fico’s leadership towards a more Russia-skeptic yet cautious foreign policy.
Analysts note that Fico’s threat comes at a critical time as the EU seeks to maintain cohesion. “This veto threat is not just about Slovakia; it tests the very fabric of EU decision-making on foreign policy,” said Katarina Mathernova, a senior fellow at the European Policy Centre. “If he follows through, it could delay or dilute the sanctions, sending mixed signals to Moscow.”
Looking ahead, the implications are significant. The EU requires unanimity for sanctions approvals, meaning any single member state can block the package. Diplomatic efforts are likely to intensify to persuade Slovakia, but Fico’s firm position may lead to negotiations or concessions. Some observers suggest that this could pave the way for a more fragmented EU approach to Russia in the future.