M. Šimečka Criticizes Slovak Government for Lack of Diversified Gas Supplies Post-Liberal Summit in Brussels

Brussels – Slovakia must actively pursue allies within the EU and enhance its defense of energy interests, having failed to secure timely supply diversification. This statement was made on Thursday by the leader of the opposition Progressive Slovakia (PS), Michal Šimečka, following the summit of European liberals at the start of the European Council meeting in Brussels, as reported by TASR correspondent.

Prior to EU summits, top officials from major European political families – including Christian Democrats, Socialists, Democrats, and Liberals – traditionally meet. Slovakia was represented solely by the PS party at Thursday’s liberal gathering.

Šimečka noted the attendance of several European commissioners and prime ministers from EU member states at the event. He met with the EU’s foreign affairs chief, Josep Borrell, discussing the announcements made by Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) regarding the blocking of the 18th package of EU sanctions, which are linked to the REPowerEU legislation aimed at banning Russian oil and gas imports by the end of 2027.

“All member countries, except Slovakia and Hungary, have met their obligations and are prepared. Robert Fico’s governments have neglected this area, particularly the diversification of sources, and now Fico faces a challenge. We should have anticipated this and been better prepared,” Šimečka explained.

He criticized the Slovak Prime Minister for unnecessarily linking the 18th sanctions package with unrelated legislation and for lacking clarity in his requests to the European Commission regarding REPowerEU, whether seeking compensations or a delay, asserting that this “confusing stance” yields no benefits for Slovakia.

“We need to eliminate barriers within the single market, and the European budget should facilitate this,” Šimečka stated, emphasizing the importance of maintaining cohesion and EU funding for Slovakia, especially in the context of the long-term EU budget post-2027.

European liberals concurred that the EU requires reforms to enhance competitiveness and economic growth, with the EU playing a role through its fiscal instruments.

Regarding energy self-sufficiency and supply diversification, the PS leader asserted that Slovakia should not sever ties with EU allies; instead, it should invest in these relationships and refrain from any talk of exiting the EU and NATO, which would be beneficial in discussions about compensation for halted energy flows from Russia or extending the supply timeline within the EU. (June 26)