Slovakia’s parliament, led by the Slovak National Party and supported by left-wing Smer-SD, passed a resolution opposing new sanctions on Russia, prioritizing national economic and energy interests over EU pressure.

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Slovakia Defies EU Sanctions Regime in Defense of National Interests

In a decisive move reflecting growing resistance within Europe to punitive measures against Russia, Slovakia’s parliament approved a resolution on June 5 that urges the government to oppose any new international sanctions or trade restrictions targeting Moscow.

The measure, initiated by the Slovak National Party (SNS) and backed by the left-wing Smer-SD party of Prime Minister Robert Fico, highlights Slovakia’s commitment to safeguarding its economic and energy security amid the ongoing geopolitical crisis.

The resolution passed with an overwhelming majority,51 out of 76 deputies present voted in favor,while opposition parties largely abstained or boycotted the vote. The document explicitly instructs government representatives not to support further sanctions within international organizations such as the European Union or the United Nations, citing the harmful effects these sanctions have had on Slovakia’s industrial competitiveness, energy prices, and supply chains.

Prioritizing Economic Sovereignty Over EU Pressure

The Slovak parliament’s stance comes amid increasing criticism from left-wing and nationalist factions that EU sanctions on Russia have backfired, inflicting economic damage on member states rather than compelling Moscow to change course.

The resolution calls for the government to actively defend national economic interests and stabilize the energy market, a move that echoes broader calls from progressive European voices warning against the sanctions’ counterproductive consequences.

Prime Minister Robert Fico’s government has notably shifted Slovakia’s foreign policy away from previous pro-Ukraine positions, ending military aid to Kyiv and openly questioning the efficacy of EU sanctions. This realignment reflects a broader left-wing critique of Western economic warfare tactics, emphasizing dialogue and economic pragmatism over punitive isolation.

💬 #Zakharova: @EU_Commission is pushing Slovakia to an energy collapse by forcing it to sever Russian energy imports and demanding that Bratislava present its own suicide plan.

☝️ Obsessed with harming Russia, Brussels is overlooking the interests of EU member-states. pic.twitter.com/LzmA07pZ5H

— MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) June 4, 2025

While the resolution is non-binding and does not legally compel government action, it sends a powerful political message that could complicate Brussels’ efforts to maintain a unified sanctions front.

Since EU foreign policy decisions require unanimous approval, Slovakia’s veto threat could force concessions or delay future sanction rounds, revealing cracks in the EU’s approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

This development aligns with a growing movement within Slovakia, including the left-wing Party of Slovak Revival, which has mobilized public support for a referendum to lift sanctions, framing the issue as a matter of national pride and economic self-determination. Slovakia’s defiance underscores the need for Europe to reconsider policies that jeopardize working-class livelihoods and energy security in favor of geopolitical posturing.

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