In a written answer on 13 July 2026, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas pushed back against a parliamentary question from Slovak MEP Erik Kaliňák (NI) that questioned the cost of sanctions against Russia and aid to Ukraine. Kallas provided specific economic indicators to argue that sanctions are working, but declined to offer a breakdown of their impact on individual member states, including Slovakia.
The answer, responding to Kaliňák's question, cited a 0.2% contraction in Russia's real GDP in the first quarter of 2026, a key interest rate of 14.25%, and a budget deficit of 6 trillion RUB by end-May — 50% above the full-year target. Kallas also noted that Russian fossil fuel revenues are almost one third lower than pre-invasion levels, and that outstanding corporate loan debt in Russia has nearly doubled since the war began.
Kallas did not provide a specific assessment of the 20th sanctions package's effect on Russian energy export revenues, nor did she confirm whether the European External Action Service has conducted an economic impact analysis on individual member states. Instead, she reiterated that sanctions are designed to maximise pressure on Russia while minimising unintended consequences for the EU, and that they are regularly reviewed by the Council.
The answer contains no concrete proposals, numerical targets, or timelines for future sanctions packages. It remains a declaratory defence of existing policy, with no indication of institutional follow-up beyond routine Council reviews. The tone suggests the Commission is not currently considering a formal cost-benefit analysis for member states, despite growing concerns over EU competitiveness and budgetary pressure.