Fico promises Putin veto on energy import ban from Russia, but it's not simple
Robert Fico and Vladimir Putin (Photo: Getty Images)
On Friday, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico promised Russian President Vladimir Putin that he would use Slovakia's veto power to block the supply of energy resources from Russia to the European Union, reports TASS.
On May 9, a meeting took place between two officials, during which Fico informed the Russian President that Slovakia was prepared to use its veto power within the EU to block the ban on Russian energy supplies.
"If it’s necessary for all 27 member states to agree on the ban of Russian energy imports to the EU, we will use our veto power to block the import of all types of energy resources," he stated.
What's the matter
Despite Fico's statement about Slovakia's veto power over the ban on Russian energy imports, the ability to block such decisions depends on their legal framework. If it concerns EU sanctions - including an embargo on oil, gas, or coal - these measures are adopted under the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and require unanimity among all 27 member states. In this case, Slovakia, like any other country, could indeed block the decision.
However, if the restrictions are proposed as an internal EU regulatory measure, such as within the energy market, the decision could be made through a qualified majority procedure. This requires at least 55% of countries (15 out of 27) representing at least 65% of the EU population. In this case, the veto of any one country, including Slovakia, would not have any effect.
On May 9, Robert Fico participated in a parade in Moscow. Meanwhile, EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kalas criticized him, stating that the Slovak Prime Minister is on the wrong side of history.
