Reuters: EU outlines compromise to win Slovakia’s backing for new Russia sanctions
Photo: Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission (Getty Images)
The European Commission is trying to meet Slovakia's demands so that it lifts its veto on the 18th package of sanctions. Bratislava has been offered guarantees concerning the phase-out of Russian gas, this is stated in a letter from the European Commission to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, obtained by Reuters.
In a letter addressed to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and signed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the Commission outlines that it will clarify the mechanism for triggering the "emergency brake" in the event of a price spike caused by supply shortages during the phase-out of Russian gas.
"We have been working closely with Member States most directly concerned, notably Slovakia, to ensure that the EU-wide phase-out of Russian energy imports will be gradual and well-coordinated," the letter states.
At the same time, Brussels pledged to develop a solution to help reduce cross-border gas and oil tariff costs for Slovakia.
The EU also promised to intervene in the event of potential legal proceedings that Russia might initiate against Slovakia over its possible withdrawal from gas supply contracts.
Earlier, Fico said that the European Commission had offered Slovakia guarantees in exchange for supporting sanctions against Russia, but he did not specify what those guarantees were.
Slovakia blocks sanctions against Russia
Slovakia has vetoed the 18th package of sanctions against Russia due to the EU’s plans to completely phase out Russian gas and oil by 2028.
Bratislava fears that cutting off Russian gas could lead to shortages, price increases, higher transit tariffs, and potential compensation claims from the Russian supplier Gazprom.
It also recently emerged that Malta has begun blocking the new sanctions package as well.
