Slovakia’s populist Prime Minister Robert Fico has strongly opposed a new European Union plan that aims to end imports of Russian natural gas by the end of 2027, in an effort to cut off revenue that helps fund Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine.
The plan, expected to be presented next month by the European Commission, would ban new gas contracts with Russia by the end of this year and gradually phase out existing ones across all 27 EU member states by 2027.
However, Slovakia considers the proposal unacceptable.
“The plan is absolutely unacceptable for Slovakia,” Fico declared, warning that his government will veto the initiative.
He stated that all Slovak representatives in the EU will work to block the measure.
According to Fico, the proposed ban would cause serious economic consequences.
“This move would harm Slovakia and the entire EU, as gas prices would rise as a result,” he added.
Slovakia currently has a long-term contract with Russia for gas supplies that runs until 2034, and Fico warned that if the EU proceeds with the plan, Slovakia will seek compensation for damages.
He also rejected proposals to ban imports of Russian oil and nuclear fuel, positioning himself firmly against further sanctions on Moscow.
