Slovakia has blocked the adoption of the European Union’s 19th package of sanctions against Russia, insisting that the measures be discussed at the level of EU heads of state and government. On October 7, 2025, Radio Free Europe editor for Europe Rikard Jozwiak reported on his X page that Slovakia is demanding the issue be raised at the upcoming EU summit on October 23, delaying the approval of the entire sanctions package. According to Jozwiak, EU member states had finally agreed to impose travel restrictions on Russian diplomats after Hungary lifted its veto, but Slovakia’s insistence means the full package cannot be finalized before the summit. The development was also confirmed by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

Sanctions package targets energy, banking and shipping sectors

The 19th package of EU sanctions was approved by the European Commission on September 19, 2025, and targets Russia’s cryptocurrency operations, banking institutions, and energy exports. The measures include sanctions on 118 vessels of the so-called “shadow fleet,” a total ban on transactions involving Rosneft and Gazpromneft, and a prohibition on the import of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) into EU markets starting January 1, 2027. Additional oversight mechanisms are planned for oil traders and refineries.

The package also introduces restrictions against three companies accused of providing false flags to Russian tankers under sanctions. EU governments have already agreed to include limits on the movement of Russian diplomats within the Schengen zone — a measure that Hungary, until recently, had blocked.

Bratislava objects to energy and automotive restrictions

Slovakia raised objections on September 26, 2025, particularly regarding sanctions affecting the energy and automotive sectors. Observers suggested that Hungary might be influencing Bratislava’s stance, given its own history of opposing sanctions. At the same time, Austria sought to insert an exemption related to assets connected with Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, arguing that doing so would help offset losses incurred by Raiffeisen Bank in Russia — a move opposed by several EU states.

Fico’s government aligns with Hungary in opposing tougher sanctions

Prime Minister Robert Fico, known for his frequent criticism of EU sanctions, argues that restrictive measures hurt Slovakia’s economy more than Russia’s. His government has sought to weaken restrictions targeting Russia’s energy sector, citing the country’s dependence on oil transported via the Druzhba pipeline.

Unlike the previous administration of Eduard Heger, which pushed for diversification of energy supplies to reduce reliance on Russian oil, Fico’s government has effectively reversed this policy, restoring a model of dependence that undermines Slovakia’s energy security. Analysts note that this approach benefits the Kremlin and erodes EU unity.

Using consensus rules as leverage

By demanding that the sanctions be discussed by EU leaders, Bratislava appears to be employing a tactic aimed at delaying the approval process and extracting concessions or financial compensation from Brussels. Slovakia has previously used similar methods, blocking the 18th sanctions package until it secured guarantees under the RePowerEUinitiative, which envisages a complete phase-out of Russian gas supplies.

Bratislava’s coordination with Budapest has raised concerns among diplomats that the Hungary–Slovakia axis could become a long-term obstacle to EU consensus on Russia policy, creating space for Moscow to exploit divisions within the bloc.

Delays weaken sanctions’ impact and bolster Kremlin narratives

Repeated delays in adopting new sanctions packages — especially by countries such as Slovakia — create the image of fragmentation within the EU, a perception that the Kremlin actively amplifies in its propaganda. These postponements also grant Russia extra time to adapt its financial and economic systems to upcoming restrictions, diminishing the overall effectiveness of Western sanctions.

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