Fico: The proposal of the European Commission to completely stop energy supplies from Russia is unacceptable for Slovakia

Bratislava – Slovakia recognizes the strategic goal of reducing the European Union’s (EU) energy dependence on third countries. However, the proposal for a complete cessation of gas, oil, and nuclear fuel imports from the Russian Federation, presented by the European Commission (EC) on Tuesday (May 6), is unacceptable for Slovakia in its current form. Such a step would significantly harm the competitiveness of the EU and Slovakia, stated Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) on Wednesday, TASR reports.

“I have access to a vast amount of data that suggests we are entering an extremely dangerous game. We recognize 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; 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,” stated the Prime Minister.

According to him, Slovakia is ready to actively engage in negotiations on legislative proposals that are to be developed based on the Commission’s roadmap. It will demand that the specifics and experiences of individual EU member states be taken into account. “From today onwards, we will very, very strongly alert the EC to all the risks associated with this document, which I currently consider a political adventure. It is a document that is economically irresponsible,” emphasized Fico, adding that if these proposals are implemented, they will significantly harm the EU, energy prices will rise, and its competitiveness will decrease.

At this moment, according to the Prime Minister, it is not entirely clear how the relevant legislation will be adopted, i.e., whether unanimity will be required or if it will 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 added. (May 7)

“We recognize 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; 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.” Robert Fico