Slovakia, under the leadership of Prime Minister Robert Fico, has publicly announced its intention to launch a formal legal challenge against the European Union’s comprehensive policy to ban Russian natural gas imports. According to Fico, this legal action will be initiated at the highest judicial body of the bloc, the European Court of Justice (ECJ). The core of Slovakia’s objection lies in the procedural manner by which the ban was implemented. While the EU formally approved a plan to phase out pipeline gas originating from Russia by the year 2027, Fico argued that the governing bodies overstepped their legal mandate.
Specifically, Fico contended that because achieving a qualified majority was impossible, the EU resorted to using alternative, and arguably inappropriate, mechanisms. This, he argued, undermined the fundamental right of a sovereign EU member state to exercise its veto power, a cornerstone of the EU treaties. At a press conference, Fico emphasized that this action constituted a deep violation of both international law and the constitutional principles upon which the EU is founded. This legal challenge is therefore not just about energy policy; it is a profound assertion of national sovereignty against supranational overreach.
The procedural timeline suggests an imminent lawsuit. Justice Minister Boris Susko indicated that the legal filing would commence in the coming week, with the immediate goal being to secure an injunction. Such a measure would temporarily suspend the gas ban regulation, allowing time for a full judicial review. Fico’s criticism extends beyond the gas ban itself; he has repeatedly characterized the overall sanctions regime imposed by the EU following the invasion of Ukraine as deeply flawed and ‘suicidal.’ He calls for a strategic pivot, urging the EU bloc to re-engage with Moscow through diplomatic channels rather than purely punitive measures.
This developing dispute on the energy front adds layers of complexity to the already strained political cohesion within the European Union. The stance taken by Slovakia mirrors past conflicts, notably the lawsuit filed by Hungary, following arguments made by outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The matter has drawn attention from more powerful institutions, such as the European Commission, which, via President Ursula von der Leyen, has at times pushed for mechanisms to limit the veto power of individual member states, particularly to ensure consistent support for Ukraine’s financial stability and future integration.