Efforts from the European Union (EU) to impose a new set of sanctions against Russia were hindered as Slovakia sought assurances over its gas supply before the EU's proposed phase-out of Russian gas, reported Reuters.

Slovakia's stance at the EU foreign ministers' meeting on Tuesday [15 July] was to seek a postponement of the sanctions vote, according to a statement from Prime Minister Robert Fico.

“The government coalition rejects the imbecile proposal of the European Commission to stop the flow of Russian gas from 2028," Fico stated, expressing readiness to negotiate for “certain comfort in gas supplies after 2028”.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed disappointment at the lack of approval for the sanctions, noting that “the ball is in Slovakia's court”.

The deadlock arises from Slovakia's dependency on Russian energy and its concerns over potential shortages, price hikes, and legal repercussions from Gazprom should the EU follow through with its plan to phase out Russian gas by 1 January 2028.

Fico highlighted the opposition's criticism of the EU's proposals and called for an exemption allowing Slovakia to honour its contract with Gazprom until 2034.

The European Commission (EC) offered assurance to assist in potential litigation, but did not grant an exemption to Slovakia.

The letter from the EC also detailed measures to mitigate the impact of the phase-out, including an “emergency break” for price spikes and a reduction in cross-border gas and oil tariffs for Slovakia.

The EU's strategy to eliminate Russian gas by 2028 requires a reinforced majority of member states for approval, meaning Slovakia cannot single-handedly veto the proposals.

Slovakia and Hungary have voiced significant resistance to the EU's plan, exacerbating tensions between Brussels and these nations regarding their position on Moscow.