Well, here’s something I did not see coming this week. Slovakia – that’s right; it’s the same country that’s been throwing roadblocks in front of the EU’s plans – blinked first in their disagreement with Brussels. Apparently, their Prime Minister, Robert Fico, got so many sweeteners from the EU Commission that he decided to lift his veto.
Slovakia drops veto after securing energy concessions
So here’s what went down behind closed doors. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico had been holding up the entire 19th sanctions package because he was worried about energy prices hitting his country’s car industry. The Danish presidency confirmed Wednesday evening that Bratislava finally removed its opposition, triggering a written procedure for formal adoption.
“What is remarkable, however, is that Fico posed it in exactly this way.” He told the parliamentarians, “Slovak pressure has already achieved some results in the draft conclusions on energy and industrial competitiveness.” Translation: “I got what I wanted, so now I’ll play nice.” This guy is no slouch at negotiations; he knows when to fold ’em.
Belgium’s capital, also known in French-speaking regions
Clearly, the Commission thought it better to pay Fico’s price rather than let it drag on forever. He could count on guarantees from President Ursula von der Leyen in core areas such as energy supply and trading systems for emissions. Smart politics, if you really think about it, sometimes one has to grease the wheels for the machine to continue moving.
EU imposes comprehensive 19th sanction package on Russia
Now here’s where things get really interesting—the hidden detail that makes this story worth following. Slovakia signals backing for upcoming EU sanctions package targeting Russia isn’t just about one country changing its mind; it’s about the EU finally getting its act together on what might be its toughest sanctions round yet.
The package hits Moscow where it hurts most: energy revenues. Short-term LNG contracts get terminated within six months, while long-term ones have until January 2027. The 19th package targets Moscow’s energy, financial, and trade interests with surgical precision, adding 117 more ships to the shadow fleet blacklist.
“We are also quite pleased with the signals we receive from America concerning the sanctions against Russia.” I think it is a strong signal that we are together on this issue.”
The fall of Slovakia is a turning point in EU-Russian relations, but it’s actually more about something much larger – the West finally synchronizing its strategy on economic warfare.
Trump administration coordinates record-level sanctions coordination
The timing of this EU package coincides perfectly with Washington finally hitting Russia’s oil giants. The US administration imposed sanctions for the first time against Rosneft and Lukoil—Russia’s two biggest oil companies. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced this move, signaling a major shift in Trump’s approach.
Kallas seized this moment brilliantly, claiming newfound unity between Brussels and Washington. The coordination suggests both sides of the Atlantic are finally getting serious about economic pressure on Moscow. It’s particularly significant given Trump’s previous reluctance to provide certain weapons systems to Ukraine and his meetings with Putin.
Transatlantic cooperation makes sanctioning more effective
Another aspect in the EU’s efforts to limit the movement of Russian diplomats is the addition to the mix. EU member states can now inform the Commission regarding the Russian diplomats’ presence within their territory, allowing for appropriate action on a national level, which is essentially “we’re watching you guys closely now.”
The fall of Slovakia is a turning point in EU-Russian relations, but it’s actually more about something much larger – the West finally synchronizing its strategy on economic warfare. Fico secured his promise on energy, Brussels secured its sanctioning tool, and Washington made it clear it means business with Russian oil imports. Politics doesn’t always make for an interesting story in blockbuster action, but in behind-the-scenes maneuvering.