Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico Photo: Jaroslav Novák / TASR
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has said that he is considering supporting a new package of EU sanctions against Russia only in exchange for legal permission to fulfil the contract with Gazprom until 2034, Euronews reports .
Fico explained that the early termination of a long-term contract with a Russian supplier could cost Slovakia 16-20 billion euros in legal claims. The European Commission denies this position, citing force majeure clauses that are supposed to protect member states from legal claims.
The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, sent Fico an official letter, which refers to a phased abandonment of Russian gas, possible state support and compensation mechanisms from EU funds, but does not mention special exemptions for Slovakia.
Fico publicly released this letter and stated that the proposed guarantees were categorically rejected by his coalition partners. According to him, the response was that “the European Commission’s guarantees are insufficient”.
At the same time, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas expressed disappointment with Slovakia’s position and expressed hope that an agreement would be reached by the end of the week.
Analysts note that Slovakia’s demand for prolongation of Russian gas imports may conflict with the US foreign policy. President Donald Trump earlier announced that Moscow’s allies could face new sanctions if a peace deal is not reached within 50 days.
