Slovakia Rejects EU Proposal to Ban Russian Gas Imports

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has publicly rejected the European Union’s proposed ban on Russian gas imports, calling the plan economically unfeasible and harmful to Europe’s energy stability.

During a meeting in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Fico stated that Slovakia could not support the European Commission’s recommendation to phase out Russian gas.

A spokesperson for the left-wing nationalist leader described the proposal as unrealistic and damaging for EU economies, especially those heavily reliant on Russian energy.

Slovakia, a member of both the European Union and NATO, continues to depend on Russian gas to meet its domestic energy needs. Fico also expressed support for maintaining purchases of nuclear fuel elements from Russia.

Reports indicate that Fico threatened to veto any unanimous EU decision to block Russian gas imports.

However, if the European Commission pursues the measure through a qualified majority vote — a mechanism that bypasses the need for unanimous agreement — Slovakia could be overruled by larger member states.

The EU aims to completely halt Russian gas imports by the end of 2027 as part of broader efforts to reduce energy dependence on Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine.

Slovakia's stance presents a challenge to EU unity on energy sanctions and raises concerns about the bloc’s ability to implement coordinated energy policy reforms.