Slovakia's PM Fico criticises EU plan to phase out Russian gas
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has criticised the European Union’s energy policy, warning that plans to phase out Russian gas imports could harm smaller, import-dependent economies.
Speaking in Bratislava on Sunday, Fico said Slovakia had filed a complaint against the European Commission’s decision to end Russian gas imports.
“Our official stance is: let’s diversify the supply options for all fuels, but also keep open the possibility when it comes to Russian oil and gas,” Fico said.
He also criticised what he described as growing U.S. interest in European energy transit infrastructure.
“The Russians will supply the Americans with gas and oil at standard prices, and the Americans will sell it to us with an American high-margin surcharge,” he said. “Are we such idiots already?”
The remarks come as the EU continues to pursue its REPowerEU strategy, aimed at ending reliance on Russian fossil fuels following the escalation of the war in Ukraine in 2022.
Under the plan, Russian liquefied natural gas imports would be phased out by the end of 2026, while pipeline gas imports would end by September 30, 2027, with a possible short extension.
EU member states are also required to outline how they will replace Russian energy supplies.
Fico has repeatedly argued that a rapid break from Russian energy could increase costs for Central European countries that remain heavily dependent on imports.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
