Slovakia to File Lawsuit Against European Union Russian Gas Ban
Slovakia will challenge an EU ban on Russian gas at the European Court of Justice. The move follows a decision to end imports by late 2027 via a majority vote.
Insights:
Yesterday, on January 26, 2026, European Union member states granted final approval to a policy that will ban all imports of Natural Gas from Russia 
RUby the end of 2027. The measure was passed using a reinforced qualified majority vote, which allowed the bloc to bypass opposition from Slovakia 
SKand Hungary 
HU. This policy marks a significant effort by the union to cut funding for the military operations of Russiain Ukraine 
UA, which the union has supported since the 2022 invasion. Both Slovakiaand Hungaryremain heavily reliant on Russianoil and gas and want to maintain close ties with Moscow.
RUby the end of 2027. The measure was passed using a reinforced qualified majority vote, which allowed the bloc to bypass opposition from Slovakia SKand Hungary HU. This policy marks a significant effort by the union to cut funding for the military operations of Russiain Ukraine UA, which the union has supported since the 2022 invasion. Both Slovakiaand Hungaryremain heavily reliant on Russianoil and gas and want to maintain close ties with Moscow.Today, on January 27, 2026, Prime Minister Robert Fico robert ficoannounced that Slovakiawill file a lawsuit challenging the decision at the European Court of Justice. Slovakiaintends to coordinate its legal strategy with Hungary, which has also stated it would challenge the law at the same court. Robert Ficohas been a vocal critic of military aid to Ukraineand has sought to maintain close ties with Moscow despite the broader union's stance.
