The European Union has offered Slovakia fresh assurances that it will take steps to soften the impact of the bloc’s planned ban on Russian gas imports, set to take effect from 2028. The pledge comes after Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico demanded guarantees before lifting his veto on the EU’s latest sanctions against Russia over its war on Ukraine.

According to a letter from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Brussels will work to "limit any impact on prices and markets" and ensure that implementation of the gas ban will be "gradual and well-coordinated." The EU also promised assistance related to energy security, including safeguards against price spikes, legal support, and financial backing to mitigate the effects of higher cross-border tariffs.

Slovakia Demands Concrete Guarantees

Fico has been blocking the adoption of the EU’s newest sanctions package since June, insisting that Brussels provide firm guarantees to offset the economic impact of cutting off Russian gas. Slovakia, a landlocked country heavily reliant on Russian supplies via Hungary and the TurkStream pipeline, holds a long-term gas contract with Gazprom PJSC that runs until 2034.

Among the measures discussed, the EU said it would clarify how an "emergency brake" would work to contain price surges and pledged to address transit costs and tariffs on oil and gas deliveries. However, specifics on how these promises will be delivered remain vague.

The EU’s assurances include a planned review in 2027 — or sooner if peace is reached between Russia and Ukraine — to assess whether the measures are still justified. Whether these commitments will be enough to persuade Fico to drop Slovakia’s veto remains unclear.

Fico has also requested financial relief for households and businesses and legal protections should Slovakia face arbitration from Gazprom over broken contracts.