Bratislava, Slovakia (AP) – The populist leader of Slovakia exploded on Wednesday A European Union plan To stop imports of Russian natural gas by the end of 2027 to deprive President Vladimir Putin with fuel that helps fuel War in Ukraine.
THE European CommissionThe executive power of the block will present a detailed plan next month. He will seek to ban new gas contracts with Russia by the end of this year and to eliminate those existing in the EU of 27 nations by the end of 2027.
Slovaquian Prime Minister Robert Fico said the plan was “absolutely unacceptable” for his country and that his government was ready to oppose its veto. He said that this decision would be harmful to Slovakia and the entire EU, because the price of gas will increase accordingly.
Slovakia has a gas delivery agreement with Russia which expires in 2034, and Fico said that it would request damage allowances, if the plan was taking place.
The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, who continues the plan, told EU legislators that Russia had proven many times that it is not a reliable energy supplier.
“Dependence on Russia is not only bad for our security, but also for our economy. Our energy prices cannot be dictated by a hostile neighbor, “she told members of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.
Fico has also rejected a proposal to stop imports of oil and nuclear fuel from Russia to the European Union.
Hungary and Slovakia – whose leaders are considered to be allies closest to Putin in Europe – have blocked EU military assistance in Ukraine and should oppose the European Commission gas plans.
Fico, a figure of division in the country and abroad, returned to power in 2003 after its left Smer (Direction) party won a parliamentary election on one Pro-Russian and anti-American platform. Known for his pro-Russian opinions, he openly challenged EU policies on Ukraine.
He is about to become The only EU leader to go to Moscow For festivities Friday, marking the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany during the Second World War. It will be to him Second trip to Moscow since December.
His government faced Vocal protests against its pro-Russian position and other policies.
