Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) declared on Wednesday that Slovakia will never support the European Commission’s REPowerEU gas supply plan, as in his view it will harm Slovak households and the economy and further reduce the competitiveness of the entire EU.
The plan, developed by the European Commission, envisages stopping Russian gas supplies to EU member states as of 2028.
Fico stated this in a letter addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, which he also published on social media.
Fico published the letter shortly after Reuters – citing four diplomats working with the EU – reported that the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the Governments of the EU Member States (COREPER) did not reach an agreement on adopting the 18th package of sanctions against Russia at its Wednesday meeting. Slovakia opposed the new sanctions, and according to two sources, Malta also raised objections.
According to the head of EU diplomacy, Kaja Kallasová, the European Commission has responded to the concerns that led Slovakia to block the move. In a letter to Prime Minister Fico, Ursula von der Leyen proposed certain guarantees for Slovakia.
However, on Tuesday evening, Fico stated that the best solution would be to grant an exemption for Russian gas imports until 2034, in line with Slovakia’s existing contract with the Russian company Gazprom.
According to Fico, the European Commission has rejected such an exemption.
As part of the 18th package of sanctions against Russia, the European Commission has proposed further restrictions on the Russian energy and banking sectors, a reduction in the price cap on Russian oil, and a ban on the use of Nord Stream gas pipeline infrastructure.
Source: TASR, SME
