Luxembourg – During the EU Council for Telecommunications and Energy meeting in Luxembourg on Monday, Slovakia and Hungary opposed a plan to prohibit the import of Russian gas to the EU by the end of 2027. Polish Deputy Minister for Climate and Environment Krzysztof Bolesta reported that both countries obstructed the release of a joint statement, despite the remaining 25 EU member states supporting the proposal, as noted by TASR and the PAP agency.
In early May, the European Commission introduced a strategy for EU member states to fully disengage from Russian energy sources, including gas, oil, and nuclear fuel, by the end of 2027. Hungary, reliant on Russian energy, rejected this initiative and indicated it would explore legal avenues to block its enforcement.
On Sunday, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced that Slovakia would seek a delay on the vote regarding the next round of anti-Russian sanctions during the EU foreign ministers’ meeting until the matter of a total ban on Russian gas imports post-2027, along with potential compensatory damages for Slovakia, is resolved.
“Regrettably, the Council of the European Union did not endorse the conclusions as two delegations disagreed with their adoption in the proposed form,” Bolesta remarked on Monday in Luxembourg, referencing Slovakia and Hungary, according to the PAP agency.
He characterized the document proposal as highly ambitious, emphasizing its clear outline for enhancing the EU’s energy security. He mentioned that the backing from 25 EU countries demonstrates a “solid majority” support for gradually ceasing imports of Russian gas and oil.
Per Reuters, Brussels is anticipated to present a proposal on Tuesday that could allow the ban on Russian gas imports to advance even without the approval of Bratislava and Budapest, utilizing an enhanced qualified majority of countries and a majority in the European Parliament.
Denmark, set to assume the EU Council presidency from Poland at the beginning of July, aims to continue discussions to “ascertain if broader support for the proposal can be garnered,” as stated by its Energy Minister Lars Aagaard. He noted that the gradual cessation of Russian gas imports to the EU will remain a priority during Denmark’s presidency of the council. (June 16)
Leave a Reply