Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has announced that Slovakia will challenge the EU’s decision to ban all gas from member states, calling it “energy suicide.” The country is required to cease importing Russian gas by November 1, 2027, under the new regulations. Fico criticized the move, stating that it will have detrimental consequences once the military conflict ends.
The Council of the European Union and the European Parliament recently approved legislation for the gradual phase-out of Russian gas and oil imports as part of the REPowerEU plan. The move aims to reduce dependence on Russian energy carriers.
Slovakia plans to challenge the regulation at the Court of Justice of the European Union in Luxembourg, arguing that it violates the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality.
Fico mentioned that Hungary, which also opposed the legislation, will file a lawsuit separately. Despite the inability to file a joint action, both countries are coordinating their arguments.
Fico expressed optimism that the conflict in Ukraine will end by November 1, 2027, leading to a change in perspective regarding Russian energy. He criticized the decision as ideologically motivated and driven by animosity towards Russia.
Furthermore, Fico criticized the qualified majority vote used to adopt the decree, claiming it bypassed the principle of unanimity. He warned that the EU’s reliance on American LNG could lead to higher costs and potential supply shortages.
Slovakia has already suffered economic losses due to disruptions in Russian gas transit, resulting in significant financial impacts.
As reported by Hungarian outlet Hirado.hu, Europe’s gas supply faces challenges following reduced LNG production in the United States due to extreme cold weather. The situation has raised concerns about potential supply disruptions to Europe.
The ongoing situation in the gas market hinges on the duration of the extreme weather conditions in the U.S. and the resumption of normal operations at LNG plants.
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