What's happened
European Union's new sanctions package targeting Russia faces delays as Slovakia withholds support over concerns about gas imports and economic impacts. Discussions continue, with Slovakia demanding guarantees before backing the measures, which include a gas import ban and a floating oil price cap. The package's approval hinges on resolving these issues today.
What's behind the headline?
The current impasse reveals the complex balancing act within the EU on sanctions policy. Slovakia's opposition underscores the challenge of unifying member states with divergent energy dependencies. The EU's proposed measures, such as the floating oil cap, aim to respond dynamically to market fluctuations and undercut Russia's revenue streams. However, Slovakia's demand for guarantees exposes the fragility of consensus, especially when economic interests are at stake. The broader geopolitical context suggests that the EU is willing to risk delays to ensure measures are effective and politically sustainable. The outcome will likely shape the EU's ability to maintain unified sanctions and influence Russia's economic resilience. If the package is approved, it will mark a significant escalation in EU efforts to pressure Russia, but failure to resolve Slovakia's concerns could weaken the overall impact and prolong the conflict's economic dimensions.
What the papers say
The Moscow Times reports that Slovakia's support is crucial for the EU sanctions package, with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico demanding guarantees to mitigate economic risks. Politico highlights Fico's tough negotiations with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, emphasizing the political tension. Bloomberg details the technical aspects of the floating oil cap, which aims to respond to market volatility and reduce Russia's oil revenues. The articles collectively illustrate the internal EU disagreements and the strategic importance of energy sanctions in the broader geopolitical conflict, with each source providing a different perspective on the negotiations' stakes and potential outcomes.
How we got here
The EU has been working on a new sanctions package aimed at increasing pressure on Russia, including measures to end Russian gas imports by 2028 and a floating oil price cap to reduce Russia's revenue from fossil fuels. Slovakia, heavily dependent on Russian gas and transit fees, has blocked the package, citing economic concerns and demanding guarantees. The dispute has led to high-level talks, including discussions between Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, highlighting the political and economic stakes involved.
Go deeper
Common question
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What’s the Latest on EU Sanctions and Global Tensions in 2025?
With ongoing geopolitical tensions, economic sanctions are a hot topic this year. From EU disputes over Russia sanctions to US trade threats, people want to understand how these issues impact global markets and diplomacy. Below are the key questions and answers to keep you informed about the latest developments in 2025.
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Why Are EU Sanctions Against Russia Delayed?
European Union sanctions aimed at pressuring Russia are facing delays, mainly due to disagreements among member states. Slovakia, in particular, has withheld support over concerns about gas imports and economic impacts. This has sparked high-level negotiations and raised questions about the future of EU-Russia relations. Below, we explore the reasons behind these delays and what they mean for European politics and energy security.
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Robert Fico is a Slovak politician who served as Prime Minister of Slovakia from 2006 to 2010 and from 2012 to 2018. He has been the first leader of the Direction – Social Democracy party since 1999.
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Slovakia, officially the Slovak Republic, is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is bordered by Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east, Hungary to the south, Austria to the southwest, and Czech Republic to the northwest.