Slovak PM defies EU, plans Moscow visit amidst energy row
Slovakia does not accept the EU's plan to end the import of oil, gas, and nuclear fuel from Russia by 2027, Prime Minister Robert Fico stated on Wednesday. He argued that a complete halt in supplies would harm the competitiveness of both the EU and Slovakia.
- We recognise the strategic goal of reducing energy dependence on third countries, and Slovakia is ready to work on this together with the European Union. But I refuse to commit economic suicide - Fico said. He added that stopping the import of Russian gas would lead to an increase in resource prices in the European market.
The Slovak prime minister considered the EU's plans to be ideological. - It is simply economic suicide to proceed with the idea that neither gas, nor nuclear, nor oil, everything must end just because a new iron curtain is being erected between the Western world and possibly the Russian Federation and other countries - he commented.
Fico informed that he has instructed Slovak participants in all negotiations and talks to reject the concept of introducing a complete ban on the import of energy resources from Russia. He also pointed out that it is unknown how the new law would be adopted, i.e., whether unanimity would be required, or it would be approved by a qualified majority.
- Which would mean that large countries agree and do what they want. I would consider this approach extremely unfortunate and I recommend rather agreeing through unanimity so that such a document has relevance – Fico emphasised.
The EU maintains the plan to cut off Russian gas
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasised during Wednesday's debate in the European Parliament regarding the war in Ukraine that by supporting Kyiv, the EU must continue to weaken Russia's ability to wage war.
- Fossil fuel revenues remain a key source of funding for the Russian war machine. It is our core security interest to stop financing Putin's war-chest. And for this, we must stop spending billions on Russian energy imports – von der Leyen noted. As she added, some still argue that the EU should "re-open the tap of Russian gas and oil," from Russia, but - she emphasised - that would be "a mistake of historic dimensions."
- We would never let it happen. This has to be very clear. Russia has proven, time and again, that it is not a reliable supplier. Putin has already cut gas flows to Europe in 2006, 2009, 2014, 2021, and throughout the war. How many times before they learn the lesson? 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 - she said.
- We will work to ban all remaining imports of Russian gas, both pipeline and LNG, by no later than the end of 2027. The era of Russian fossil fuels in Europe is coming to an end – the head of the EC concluded.
The European Commission announced on Tuesday that by the end of the year, it will ban entering new contracts and spot contracts for the import of Russian liquefied and pipeline-transported gas. The EC's proposal for changes will be presented in June. Long-term contracts will be phased out by the end of 2027.
Currently, let us recall that the Union largely no longer imports Russian pipeline gas but still receives substantial deliveries of liquefied gas transported by ship.
Fico flies to celebrate with Putin
Robert Fico will be in Moscow on Friday, May 9th, to participate in the 80th-anniversary celebration of the end of World War II. He had already announced that he wants to pay tribute to the thousands of Red Army soldiers who died while liberating Slovakia, as well as millions of other victims of "Nazi madness." He also emphasised that historical issues should not be mixed with current events.
On Wednesday, Fico informed that in addition to the previously confirmed meeting with the Russian president, he also has meetings planned with the presidents of China and Brazil. He is also scheduled to talk with politicians from Vietnam.
Representatives of Slovak opposition parties consider the trip to Moscow a disgrace and the downfall of Slovakia's foreign policy. They argued that the prime minister's trip to Russia would result in losing the trust of partners and allies. According to opposition leaders, Fico is not going to Moscow to represent Slovakia but his own interests. They also pointed out that he is the only EU prime minister who wants to take part in the celebrations.
