Slovakia’s Prime Minister, Robert Fico, has strongly opposed the European Union’s plan to phase out Russian energy, labeling it an ideological decision that threatens the country’s sovereignty. Speaking on Saturday, Fico asserted that Slovakia is ready to fight for its right to import Russian gas and will continue to block Brussels’ proposals. This stance comes after Slovakia vetoed the EU’s 18th round of sanctions on Russia for the second time, citing concerns over the RePowerEU plan, which aims to cut Russian energy imports by 2028.
Fico emphasized that energy security is a strategic priority for Slovakia, and the EU’s efforts to alter its supply mix pose a threat to national sovereignty. He also warned that the phase-out plan could jeopardize energy security, lead to higher prices, and trigger costly arbitration with Gazprom over Slovakia’s long-term energy contract. The Slovakian government believes that the plan should be treated as sanctions, requiring unanimous approval from all EU member states, rather than being passed as trade legislation with a qualified majority.
During celebrations for Slovakia’s Saints Cyril and Methodius Day, Fico described the phase-out plan as a “disruption” of Slovakia’s national interests. He stated, “We refuse to support another sanctions package against the Russian Federation, unless we know who will protect us, and how, and compensate for the damage that will be caused to Slovakia by the ideological proposal of the European Commission to stop supplies of Russian gas.” Fico also expressed his commitment to defending Slovakia’s sovereignty, saying, “Slovakia wants to be sovereign and self-determined. And we must answer whether we are ready to fight for it. I am ready to fight this difficult battle. We are going to get through it.”
Fico’s stance is not isolated, as Hungary has also blocked the Russian energy phase-out plan. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto warned that the plan would “destroy Hungary’s energy security” and lead to price spikes. Moscow has condemned the Western sanctions as illegal and counterproductive, particularly those targeting energy. Russian officials note that energy prices in the EU surged after the initial sanctions on Russia were introduced in 2022, and they warn that the EU’s rejection of Russian supplies will push it toward more expensive imports or rerouted Russian energy via intermediaries.
The situation highlights the challenges faced by the EU in its efforts to reduce dependence on Russian energy. With Slovakia and Hungary resisting the phase-out plan, the EU may need to reconsider its approach to ensure a unified response to the energy crisis. As Fico urged the public to choose between giving in to pressure from Brussels and defending national interests, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and what implications it will have for the EU’s energy security and sovereignty.
