Slovakia has stalled the adoption of the European Union’s 18th sanctions package against Russia, citing its critical reliance on Russian natural gas. 

At Tuesday’s Foreign Affairs Council meeting, Slovak officials withheld support for the proposed sanctions, preventing unanimous approval. Prime minister Robert Fico reiterated his government’s position, stating that Slovakia cannot support any further sanctions unless it secures a viable alternative to Russian gas supplies by 2034. Sanctions must not come at the cost of national survival, Fico said.

The proposed package reportedly includes new restrictions targeting Russia’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply chains, financial intermediaries facilitating sanctions circumvention, and key components used in drone and missile production.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas acknowledged the impasse but remained optimistic, saying she still believed a deal can still be reached this week.

The delay comes as the EU also prepares to ramp up enforcement against vessels and traders suspected of circumventing price caps and export restrictions on Russian oil and LNG.