Slovakia to Challenge EU Ban on Russian Pipeline, LNG Gas Imports

Slovakia plans to file a lawsuit challenging the European Union’s decision to ban Russian pipeline gas and LNG imports by 2027, arguing the move violates EU principles of subsidiarity and proportionality.

(Reuters) - Slovakia plans to file a lawsuit challenging the European Union’s decision to ban Russian gas imports, Prime Minister Robert Fico said Tuesday, escalating opposition from gas-dependent member states as the bloc moves to fully phase out Russian energy supplies.

EU countries on Monday gave final approval to prohibit imports of Russian liquefied natural gas by the end of 2026 and pipeline gas by late 2027. The measure passed through a reinforced qualified-majority vote, allowing the bloc to override objections from Slovakia and Hungary, both of which remain heavily reliant on Russian oil and gas.

Hungary has already said it will challenge the decision at the European Court of Justice, and Fico said Slovakia will file its own lawsuit and coordinate legal efforts with Budapest.

“We will object to the violation of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality,” Fico told reporters, without specifying a filing date.

The EU’s ban is part of broader efforts to cut revenue streams supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. However, Fico has repeatedly warned that ending Russian gas flows would significantly impact Slovakia, calling the policy “energy suicide” and estimating losses of up to €500 million annually due to reduced gas transit and supply costs.

Under the regulation, EU member states must halt Russian LNG imports by the end of 2026 and pipeline gas by September 30, 2027, with a possible extension to November 1, 2027, if a country struggles to secure alternative supplies ahead of winter storage requirements.

“I hope that by the time this ban takes effect, the war will be over and we will all come to our senses,” Fico said.