Full Breakdown
Slovakia and Serbia's Resistance to EU Sanctions on Russia
10/17/2025, 10:34:51 PM
Slovakia's Veto on EU Sanctions
Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico has exercised his veto power to block a proposed 19th package of European Union sanctions against Russia, which includes measures targeting Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG), oil infrastructure, and the movements of Russian diplomats within the EU. Fico's decision comes ahead of an EU summit scheduled for October 23, where he expressed his discontent with the focus on Ukraine, stating, "I refuse to let such serious issues be 'handled' in the conclusions with general phrases, while detailed decisions and positions are devoted to aid for Ukraine." He emphasized the need for concrete proposals addressing the automotive industry and high energy prices, which he believes are critical to Slovakia's economic competitiveness.
Austria's Position
Austria has also blocked the sanctions package, seeking to unfreeze shares of a blacklisted Russian company, Rasperia Trading, to compensate Raiffeisen Bank International for a significant legal loss in Russia. This request has raised concerns among other EU member states about potential precedents it could set. The Austrian Foreign Ministry reiterated its commitment to supporting Ukraine while safeguarding the interests of Austrian companies.
Serbia's Alignment with Russia
In a parallel development, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has urged Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to align Serbia's foreign policy with that of the EU, particularly regarding sanctions against Russia. Serbia remains the only European country that has not imposed sanctions on Moscow since the onset of the war in Ukraine. Vucic has maintained that Serbia will not adopt such measures, citing the nation's historical ties with Russia and its reliance on Russian energy supplies. Von der Leyen stated, "We need to see greater alignment on our foreign policy, including sanctions against Russia," emphasizing that Serbia's EU accession depends on its compliance with EU policies.
Economic Implications
Both Slovakia and Serbia's resistance to EU sanctions reflects their economic dependencies on Russian energy. Slovakia has long been reliant on Russian gas and oil, and Fico's administration has expressed concerns over the impact of EU green policies on its automotive sector. Similarly, Serbia sources approximately 80% of its natural gas from Russia, complicating its potential EU membership.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of Fico's and Vucic's positions argue that their refusal to align with EU sanctions undermines the bloc's collective response to Russian aggression. The EU has been increasingly scrutinizing Serbia's democratic trajectory amid ongoing protests against Vucic's government, which has been accused of authoritarianism and suppressing dissent. Von der Leyen's visit to Serbia has drawn criticism from opposition groups and rights organizations, highlighting the tension between EU integration and domestic political realities.
What's Next
As the EU prepares for the upcoming summit, the future of the sanctions package remains uncertain, with Slovakia and Austria's vetoes posing significant challenges. The EU's strategy to phase out Russian energy by 2028 and the ongoing geopolitical tensions will likely continue to influence discussions on sanctions and energy policy within the bloc.
