Slovakia and Hungary block EU's gas import ban from Russia
- During the EU Council meeting in Luxembourg, Slovakia and Hungary vetoed a plan to ban Russian gas imports by 2027.
- This decision was made amid concerns over price increases and legal repercussions due to existing contracts with Russian Gazprom.
- The situation reflects the complexities within the EU's energy policy as member states weigh energy security against geopolitical pressures.
In Luxembourg, Slovakia and Hungary opposed a plan proposed by the European Commission to ban the import of Russian gas by the end of 2027 during a meeting of the EU Council for Telecommunications and Energy. This occurred shortly after the plan was presented in early May, which aimed to detach EU member countries from Russian energy supplies, including gas, oil, and nuclear fuel. While the proposal enjoyed the support of 25 EU member states, it was blocked by both Slovakia and Hungary, leading to a failure in issuing a joint statement. This objection highlights the significant reliance these nations have on Russian energy. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico expressed strong dissent against the proposal, labeling it as harmful and ideological. He warned that such a ban could increase gas prices for households in Slovakia by 30 to 50%, create instability in gas supplies, and result in substantial legal ramifications due to existing contracts with Russian Gazprom. Fico also stated that the Slovak government had been instructed to postpone any discussions regarding sanctions until concerns regarding compensation for potential damages were addressed. The implications of the veto by Slovakia and Hungary are profound, as they demonstrate the complexities of the EU's energy transition strategy, particularly in aligning different member states' energy needs and dependencies. The situation underscores a divide within the EU regarding energy policy, particularly as some countries express a wish to reduce dependence on Russian energy supplies while others prioritize energy security and economic implications over geopolitical considerations. Looking ahead, Denmark, which is set to take over the presidency of the EU Council in July, aims to continue negotiations to garner wider support for the ban. Danish officials have indicated that reducing reliance on Russian gas will remain a top priority. However, the ability to achieve consensus on such measures remains uncertain given the stark differences in energy dependence across the union and varying national interests.