The Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has said that several European Union leaders have indicated they may support his country’s legal challenge against the European Commission over the planned embargo on Russian gas imports.
Speaking during a public address, a video of which was later published on Facebook, the Slovak prime minister said Bratislava remains confident in its case before the EU court and believes its legal arguments are well-founded.
“We filed a complaint against the European Commission because supplies of Russian gas are set to stop in 2027. We feel generally very confident because many tell us that we have very strong arguments [to succeed in court]. Many prime ministers are hinting to me that they may possibly join us,” Fico said.
Slovakia submitted a complaint to the Court of Justice of the European Union in April in response to the planned ban on Russian gas purchases. According to Fico, the move should not be viewed as a confrontation with Brussels, but rather as a necessary measure aimed at safeguarding Slovakia’s economic interests.
The Slovak premier also stressed the importance of Russian energy supplies for the bloc, arguing that “Russian gas and oil are absolutely essential” for the European Union.
Slovakia’s existing contract for Russian gas deliveries is due to remain in force until 2034.
By Vafa Guliyeva
