At the EU summit in Brussels, 26 member states reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine through a joint declaration by European Council President António Costa — opposed only by Hungary. The bloc also agreed to extend existing sanctions against Russia for another six months. However, consensus on a new 18th sanctions package was blocked by both Hungary and Slovakia.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (SMER-SSD) rejected the package due to a proposed ban on Russian gas imports from 2028. He warned it could trigger a 30–50% surge in gas prices, hurt Slovakia’s industry, and lead to legal action from Gazprom under an existing contract. After meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Fico welcomed her constructive approach and announced an European Commission mission will visit Slovakia to assess the issue.
Opposition leader Michal Šimečka (PS) criticised Fico’s position, claiming it isolates Slovakia diplomatically — with Hungary as its only ally.
Meanwhile, EU leaders also underlined the need to strengthen European defence capabilities and deepen single market integration, while acknowledging the specific energy challenges faced by landlocked countries such as Slovakia.
Source: TASR, STVR
