Slovakia files lawsuit at EU court over Russian gas import ban
Photo: Juraj Blanár (president.gov.ua)
Slovakia has officially announced its intention to take the European Union to court to appeal against the bloc’s decision to fully halt imports of Russian gas, stated Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that during a session of the EU Council, Slovakia voted against the REPower EU regulation, which outlines a phased withdrawal from Russian gas, and formally expressed its warning.
Blanár emphasized that Bratislava is not ready for a sudden break in energy ties with Moscow.
"We cannot accept solutions that fail to reflect the real capacities and specific circumstances of individual countries and that do not ensure a fair, realistic, and socially sustainable transition for all Member States. Therefore, Slovakia will turn to the EU Court of Justice and initiate proceedings aimed at the annulment of this regulation," the minister stated.
EU withdrawal from Russian gas
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, dependence on Russian energy has become a major challenge for the EU, prompting a gradual phase-out of Russian energy from the European market.
On December 3, 2025, representatives of the European Council and European Parliament reached a preliminary agreement to fully stop Russian natural gas imports by 2027. On December 17, the European Parliament approved the EU plan for a phased halt in gas purchases from Russia by the end of 2027.
EU officials have also stated that they do not plan to return to Russian energy even after the war ends.
On January 26, the European Council formally approved a full ban on Russian liquefied natural gas supplies to EU countries starting January 1, 2027, and on pipeline gas starting September 30, 2027.
