In a sharp escalation of tensions within the European Union, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has announced plans to challenge the bloc's newly approved regulation phasing out Russian gas imports by late 2027. Labeling the decision "energy suicide," Fico argues it is driven by ideology rather than pragmatism and risks replacing one dependency with another—this time on U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG). Slovakia, joined in opposition by Hungary, is preparing a lawsuit at the EU's top court, raising fundamental questions about energy security, treaty principles, and the future of Europe's supply strategy.
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The European Council gave final approval on January 26, 2026, to a regulation under the REPowerEU framework that mandates a complete phase-out of Russian pipeline gas by November 1, 2027, and LNG imports earlier in the year. The measure, part of broader efforts to eliminate reliance on Russian energy following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, passed despite opposition from Slovakia and Hungary.
Fico's Strong Criticism and Legal Plans
Speaking shortly after the vote, Prime Minister Robert Fico described the decision as the "completion of the EU's energy suicide." He warned that once the conflict in Ukraine ends, European nations will rush back to Russian markets, but the ideological stance could cause lasting economic damage in the meantime. Fico emphasized that Slovakia has already lost hundreds of millions in annual transit fees after Russian gas flows through Ukraine ceased at the end of 2024.
Bratislava intends to file a case at the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), arguing that the regulation violates core EU principles of subsidiarity and proportionality. The Slovak government has described its legal document as "highly professional" and is coordinating arguments with Hungary, though the two countries will file separate actions. Fico also criticized the use of qualified majority voting, claiming it bypassed the unanimity typically required for sanctions-related measures.
Broader Concerns Across Europe
Fico's concerns are not isolated. He pointed to voices in Germany and elsewhere who view the abrupt decoupling from affordable Russian pipeline gas as risky, especially as Europe grows more dependent on U.S. LNG. Recent extreme cold weather in the United States has already disrupted production, driving prices higher and raising fears of reduced exports to Europe at a time when storage levels remain precarious.
Latest Update (as of February 2, 2026): The European Commission has stated it is fully prepared to defend the regulation against the upcoming lawsuits from Slovakia and Hungary, insisting the measure aligns with the EU's strategic autonomy goals. Source: European Newsroom
Two Sides of the Debate
Supporters of the phase-out argue it is essential for reducing Moscow's leverage and funding of the war, while accelerating the shift to renewables and diversified suppliers. Critics, including Fico, contend the timeline is unrealistic, potentially leading to higher costs for consumers and industry, and new vulnerabilities—particularly if U.S. supplies falter due to domestic priorities or weather events.
The outcome of the CJEU cases could have far-reaching implications, not only for energy policy but for how sensitive foreign and security matters are decided within the EU.
Primary Sources and Further Reading
- Hlavné Správy (Slovakia) – Original report on Fico's announcement
- Reuters – Slovakia to file lawsuit against EU's ban
- Politico – Hungary and Slovakia vow legal action
- European Council – Official press release on the regulation
- Hiradó.hu – Report on U.S. cold weather impacting LNG production
Original Primary Source: This article is primarily based on reporting from Hlavné Správy (published January 2026) and cross-referenced with international outlets. Full original URL: https://www.hlavnespravy.sk/.../4203840
Disclaimer: Hlavné Správy is a Slovak alternative media outlet often criticized for pro-Russian and populist leanings. Information from such sources should be cross-verified with mainstream and official EU reports for full context and accuracy. This article aims to present facts and viewpoints neutrally.