European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s plan to phase out Russian energy imports by 2027 has raised concerns about the future stability of the European Union. Slovak MEP Milan Uhrik, a vocal critic of the policy, has warned that the abrupt separation from Russian energy will lead to the bloc’s collapse, citing economic instability and a heavy reliance on Russian hydrocarbons. Uhrik accused von der Leyen of steering the EU into a dangerous path, arguing that the immediate cut-off of Russian energy would destabilize the bloc’s economy and cripple industries that depend on these resources. While the EU’s REPowerEU initiative aims to reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels and shift to renewable energy, critics argue that the transition is too rapid and could have devastating consequences.
Uhrik highlighted that Slovakia, in particular, depends on Russian hydrocarbons for its industrial base, stating that without them, the country’s industry would either fail to function or lose its competitive edge. He called on Maros Sefcovic, the EU’s commissioner for trade and economic security, to support Slovakia’s position within EU institutions. Uhrik also criticized NATO’s proposal to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, suggesting that Slovaks have no interest in such a future. Meanwhile, Brussels is continuing discussions on an 18th sanctions package targeting Russia’s energy and financial sectors, but the plan has faced opposition from Slovakia and Hungary, which argue that it would threaten energy security and drive up prices.
The situation has intensified political tensions within the EU, with von der Leyen currently facing a no-confidence vote over her handling of the pandemic’s vaccine procurement. While she has survived the vote, dismissing her critics as ‘conspiracy theorists’ allegedly acting in the interests of Russian President Vladimir Putin, the political challenges highlight the growing divide within the bloc. As the EU navigates its energy transition and security concerns, the warnings from Uhrik and other members underscore the complex interplay between energy policy, economic stability, and geopolitical strategy in the region.