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Slovakia Blocks EU Sanctions on Russia Over Gas Phase-Out
Above: Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico attends the European Council meeting on June 26, 2025, in Brussels, Belgium. Image copyright: Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
After 17 sanctions packages already passed, Fico is rightfully standing up for his country against European elites who don't care how their geopolitical schemes affect sovereign nations. Slovakia's industries rely on affordable Russian gas, which is why Fico must defy Brussels to protect households and businesses from soaring prices. The EU has no right to impose its rogue agenda upon the people of Slovakia.
Narrative B
Fico is protecting Russian interests, not Slovakia's. His reliance on Russian gas, despite Moscow's energy blackmail in Moldova and Transnistria, risks Europe's sovereignty. By obstructing EU efforts to diversify energy, Fico is driving up costs for Slovaks, as seen in Moldova's price hikes. His pro-Russia stance isolates Slovakia, weakens EU unity, and undermines competitiveness, hurting his own nation's future.