Slovakia to Challenge EU’s Russian Gas Import Ban in Court

Slovakia to Challenge EU’s Russian Gas Import Ban in Court

January 27, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Business

Slovakia is challenging a European Union decision to ban imports of Russian gas beginning at the end of 2027. The move, announced Tuesday by Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, signals a potential legal battle within the bloc over energy policy and sanctions related to Russia.

Legal Challenge Based on Voting Procedure

According to Fico, Slovakia’s legal basis for the challenge rests on the procedure used to approve the ban. Bratislava contends that the decision was made using a “qualified majority” voting system, rather than requiring unanimous consent from all member states. This qualified majority requires at least 55% of member states (15 out of 27) representing at least 65% of the EU population to vote in favor.

Did You Know? The EU’s qualified majority voting system allows decisions to be made without the unanimous agreement of all member states, a process designed to streamline decision-making.

Fico stated, “We are convinced that this is a standard sanctions measure, but in the case of sanctions, unanimity is required. However, the European Commission knew that if unanimity were to be achieved, this decision would not pass, because several countries would object to it or abstain.”

Circumventing Unanimity

Fico further argued that the European Commission deliberately bypassed the unanimity requirement by utilizing the qualified majority vote. He characterized this as a violation of fundamental principles enshrined in the EU treaties. “Therefore, this principle was circumvented, and [the ban] was approved by a qualified majority vote, which we consider a violation of the fundamental principle enshrined in the European Union treaties,” he said.

Expert Insight: The dispute highlights the tension between the EU’s desire for a unified front on sanctions against Russia and the differing national interests of its member states, particularly concerning energy security. The use of qualified majority voting in this instance suggests a prioritization of collective action over individual member state preferences.

Hungary has also announced its intention to challenge the ban in the EU court, having voted against the measure alongside Slovakia. The decision to proceed with the ban followed a meeting of EU ministers in Brussels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the basis of Slovakia’s legal challenge?

Slovakia is challenging the EU’s Russian gas import ban based on the argument that it was approved using a qualified majority vote, rather than the unanimity required for sanctions measures, according to Prime Minister Robert Fico.

Which other country is also planning legal action?

Hungary has also announced its intention to challenge the ban in the EU court, having voted against the measure alongside Slovakia.

When is the Russian gas import ban scheduled to take effect?

The ban on importing Russian gas is scheduled to take effect at the end of 2027.

How will the European Court of Justice’s ruling impact the future of EU energy policy and the bloc’s approach to sanctions?