Story perspectives

Slovakia Vetoes EU Sanctions; Austria Shifts Support

10/18/2025

Summary

Story summary

Robert Fico, Slovakia's prime minister, vetoed a new round of EU sanctions against Russia, arguing the bloc must prioritize economic competitiveness.
He said he was astonished by the focus on Ukraine and Slovakia would propose measures on energy prices.
Austria reversed its opposition and will support the latest sanctions against Russia.
The EU's 19th sanctions package targets energy and financial measures, including a ban on Russian liquefied natural gas by 2027.

History

Historical Context

Following Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, the European Union imposed extensive sanctions, targeting banks and energy firms, which affected trade worth approximately €100 billion. These measures aimed to pressure the Kremlin amid ongoing tensions, particularly regarding Ukraine. The sanctions have evolved, with eleven rounds implemented by 2023, significantly impacting EU-Russia relations and energy policies across member states.

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Story summary

Robert Fico, Slovakia's prime minister, vetoed a new round of EU sanctions against Russia, arguing the bloc must prioritize economic competitiveness.
He said he was astonished by the focus on Ukraine and Slovakia would propose measures on energy prices.
Austria reversed its opposition and will support the latest sanctions against Russia.
The EU's 19th sanctions package targets energy and financial measures, including a ban on Russian liquefied natural gas by 2027.

1 / 2