Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico has criticized the European Union's plan to halt imports of Russian natural gas by the end of 2027, a move aimed at depriving President Vladimir Putin of revenue that supports the war in Ukraine. The European Commission, the EU's executive branch, is set to present a detailed plan next month that proposes banning new gas contracts with Russia by the end of this year and phasing out existing contracts across the 27-nation bloc by 2027.
Fico described the plan as "absolutely unacceptable" for Slovakia, warning that it would have detrimental effects on both his country and the EU as a whole, leading to increased gas prices. Slovakia currently has a gas delivery agreement with Russia that runs until 2034, and Fico stated he would seek compensations for damages if the EU's plan moves forward.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who is advocating for the ban, emphasized the unreliability of Russia as an energy supplier. She stated, "Dependency on Russia is not only bad for our security, but also for our economy. Our energy prices cannot be dictated by a hostile neighbour," during her address to EU lawmakers in Strasbourg.
Fico also opposed the proposal to cease imports of oil and nuclear fuel from Russia to the EU. Along with Hungary, Slovakia's leadership has been perceived as among Putin's closest allies in Europe, and both countries have previously blocked EU military assistance to Ukraine, positioning them as likely opponents of the European Commission's gas strategy.
Fico's political history is marked by his return to power in 2003 after his leftist Smer (Direction) party won a parliamentary election on a pro-Russia, anti-America platform. He is known for his pro-Russia stance and has openly challenged EU policies regarding Ukraine. Notably, he is set to become the only EU leader to attend the Moscow parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, marking his second visit to the Russian capital since December.
His government has faced significant protests in Slovakia against its perceived pro-Russian position, highlighting the domestic tensions surrounding his leadership as he navigates the complex geopolitical landscape in Europe.
