Slovak PM slams European Commission's plan to cut Russian energy supplies

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has criticised the European Commission's stance on cutting off Russian energy resources, warning that such a move could lead to instability and technological challenges.

Speaking at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Fico emphasised that Slovakia would use its veto power to block the ban on energy imports if it requires unanimous agreement from all 27 EU member states. He also raised concerns that major EU nations would make decisions on their own if a majority vote system were adopted, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media. 

Fico further pointed out that Slovakia's petrochemical plants are designed to use Russian oil, and he questioned the feasibility of European Union countries sourcing nuclear fuel from American company Westinghouse to power their nuclear plants.

In June, the European Commission plans to propose a ban on Russian gas and nuclear fuel by the end of 2027. For the proposal to take effect, it must be approved by a majority of both the European Parliament and EU member states.

Fico, who last met Putin in December, said in April that “nobody will tell me where to go and where not to go”. He said he was going to “a commemorative event, that’s all”, to “pay homage to thousands of Red Army soldiers who died liberating Slovakia”.

The Slovakian prime minister, known for aligning with Kremlin positions and supporting Hungary’s illiberal leader Viktor Orbán, further strengthened his pro-Russian stance by participating in bilateral meetings and attending a wreath-laying ceremony in Moscow.

By Sabina Mammadli