Slovak Prime Minister Voices Opposition to EU Ban on Russian Energy Imports
Robert Fico emphasizes Slovakia's intent to protect national interests amid ongoing discussions on energy supplies.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has stated that Slovakia will actively work to protect its interests regarding the European Union's ban on energy imports from Russia.
During a recent press conference, Fico expressed his disapproval of the European Commission's proposal to completely halt the importation of oil, gas, and nuclear fuel from Russia, describing it as harmful and ideologically driven, which threatens the competitiveness of the EU.
Fico indicated that the Slovak government has initiated intense communication regarding legislation related to energy substitution, as part of the EU's REPowerEU plan aimed at expediting the green transition and promoting significant investments in renewable energy.
However, he underscored that Slovakia's position would not be limited to verbal statements, stating that intensive communication is underway to prepare legislation that seeks to secure concessions for Slovakia in this context.
Emphasizing the implications of such a ban, Fico explained that he cannot support measures that would halt the import of nuclear fuel from Russia, as this could jeopardize the operation of Slovakia's nuclear power plants.
He reiterated the commitment of his government to be active concerning national interests and to refrain from any policy of subjugation.
In late May, Fico suggested that it might be possible to negotiate certain concessions from the European Commission regarding the ban on energy supplies from Russia to the EU. He also noted during a visit to Moscow for Victory Day that Slovakia would leverage its right of veto against any EU plan to entirely ban Russian energy imports, warning that halting gas supplies from Russia could lead to instability.
Additionally, he pointed out that oil refineries in Slovakia were built to operate with Russian crude, and their shutdown could cause technical challenges.
During a recent press conference, Fico expressed his disapproval of the European Commission's proposal to completely halt the importation of oil, gas, and nuclear fuel from Russia, describing it as harmful and ideologically driven, which threatens the competitiveness of the EU.
Fico indicated that the Slovak government has initiated intense communication regarding legislation related to energy substitution, as part of the EU's REPowerEU plan aimed at expediting the green transition and promoting significant investments in renewable energy.
However, he underscored that Slovakia's position would not be limited to verbal statements, stating that intensive communication is underway to prepare legislation that seeks to secure concessions for Slovakia in this context.
Emphasizing the implications of such a ban, Fico explained that he cannot support measures that would halt the import of nuclear fuel from Russia, as this could jeopardize the operation of Slovakia's nuclear power plants.
He reiterated the commitment of his government to be active concerning national interests and to refrain from any policy of subjugation.
In late May, Fico suggested that it might be possible to negotiate certain concessions from the European Commission regarding the ban on energy supplies from Russia to the EU. He also noted during a visit to Moscow for Victory Day that Slovakia would leverage its right of veto against any EU plan to entirely ban Russian energy imports, warning that halting gas supplies from Russia could lead to instability.
Additionally, he pointed out that oil refineries in Slovakia were built to operate with Russian crude, and their shutdown could cause technical challenges.
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