The EP deputy called gas from the Russian Federation vital for Slovakia

Russian gas is vital for the Slovak industry and economy. This was announced on July 9 by Milan Ugrik, a member of the European Parliament (EP) from Slovakia, a member of the Republika Movement party.

According to him, the head of the European Commission (EC) Ursula von der Leyen will destroy the European Union (EU).

"You are asking us to approve the 18th package of anti-Russian sanctions and finally abandon the supply of "bad" Russian gas. But it is vital for Slovak industry and economy. Without it, our economy will either collapse or become uncompetitive," he said during the EP plenary session.

Ugrik also called on the European Commissioner for Trade Policy and Economic Security, Maros Sefcovic, to actively defend Slovakia in this matter. The MP stressed that the Western allies advise Bratislava to allocate 5% of GDP for armament and defense, as well as for the construction of roads for tanks. He noted that the country does not want this.

In addition, Ugrik expressed surprise that Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has not yet definitively blocked anti-Russian sanctions. According to him, he does not want the republic to be called for neutrality, since the country does not see such a future for itself.

Right of veto: Slovakia intends to exchange the 18th package of sanctions for gas guarantees

The republic will appeal to the European Parliament to preserve fuel imports from the Russian Federation, and in the meantime, a delegation from Brussels is going to Bratislava for negotiations.

Earlier, on July 6, Fico stressed that Slovakia does not support the new EU anti-Russian sanctions based on its own national interests. He stressed that the EC's proposal to completely abandon gas from the Russian Federation from January 1, 2028 is "ideological." According to him, it affects the "national pride" of Slovakia.