BRATISLAVA, 5 June 2025 – The National Council of the Slovak Republic has adopted a resolution calling on government ministers to oppose further international sanctions and trade restrictions against the Russian Federation.
The measure, introduced by the Slovak National Party (SNS), passed with support from the governing coalition and several independent MPs, while opposition parties abstained from the vote in protest.
The resolution urges Slovak representatives in international organisations to vote against any new sanctions targeting Russia. It also instructs ministers to prioritise domestic economic stability, specifically the energy market, while protecting what the document describes as Slovakia’s “strategic and economic interests.”
The resolution passed with 51 votes in favour out of 76 MPs present. Those voting in support included all present members of the SNS, most of the Direction – Social Democracy (Smer-SD) group, selected members of the Voice – Social Democracy (Hlas-SD) party, and several unaffiliated MPs. Only one MP, Ján Ferenčák of Hlas-SD, voted against the measure. A further 23 MPs, primarily from the same party, abstained. Opposition lawmakers from Progressive Slovakia, Freedom and Solidarity (SaS), and the Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) boycotted the vote altogether.
The debate was observed by members of a civic initiative campaigning for the repeal of sanctions, whose petition against restrictive measures had previously been circulated across the country.
Economic Arguments Cited
According to the adopted resolution, sanctions against Russia are seen by proponents as having a disproportionately negative effect on Slovakia’s economy. The document asserts that restrictive measures have contributed to higher energy prices, disrupted supply chains, and harmed the competitiveness of domestic industries.
The SNS-led motion explicitly warns against the expansion of existing sanctions, citing the risk to Slovak manufacturing and the cost of living. “Additional sanctions could aggravate the economic burden on Slovak industry and ordinary citizens,” the resolution states.
In a broader context, the document reflects growing tension within the ruling coalition over the country’s foreign policy orientation, particularly regarding its stance on the war in Ukraine and relations with the Russian Federation.
Government Divisions
While the resolution is non-binding, its passage underscores divisions within the Slovak government and signals a shift in rhetoric from key factions in the governing bloc. Prime Minister Robert Fico has previously voiced criticism of EU sanctions policy, arguing that it has brought limited results while damaging European economies.
The SNS, a junior coalition partner, has consistently opposed Western sanctions on Russia, advocating instead for a pragmatic approach centred on national interest and energy security. Thursday’s vote formalised this position in parliamentary terms, albeit without the backing of the full legislature.
It remains to be seen how the government will respond to the resolution. Foreign policy remains the prerogative of the executive, and Slovakia is bound by its obligations as an EU and NATO member. However, the resolution may place pressure on the cabinet to moderate its stance on further restrictive measures within EU decision-making bodies.
External Reactions
The vote has drawn attention from European observers concerned about unity within the EU’s sanctions regime. While several member states have questioned the long-term effectiveness of sanctions, Slovakia is among the first to register formal parliamentary opposition to their expansion.
Commentators note that this development may complicate consensus-building in Brussels, where unanimous agreement is required for the adoption of new restrictive measures.
As the European Union continues to review and extend sanctions packages related to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Slovakia’s vote may embolden other sceptical states or factions. However, the legal impact of the resolution is limited, and EU foreign policy remains coordinated through the European External Action Service under the guidance of the High Representative.
Opposition Criticism
Opposition leaders condemned the resolution, describing it as politically motivated and contrary to Slovakia’s international commitments. Several parties boycotted the vote in protest, criticising the SNS and Smer-SD for what they regard as appeasement of Moscow.
Progressive Slovakia issued a statement following the session, warning that weakening the sanctions framework risks undermining EU cohesion and could be interpreted as tacit approval of Russian aggression.
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