Slovakia files lawsuit to challenge EU ban on Russian energy

Slovakia has filed a lawsuit at the Court of Justice of the European Union to challenge the EU's ban on Russian natural gas imports under the REPowerEU policy.

Slovak officials argue that the energy ban functions as a foreign policy and sanctions measure, which legally requires unanimous approval from all EU member states rather than a qualified-majority vote. Slovakia remains heavily reliant on Russian fossil fuels, with the nation's current gas contract with Gazprom running through 2034.

Prime Minister Robert Fico has also warned that his country will file additional lawsuits if the EU mandates a sudden cessation of Russian oil imports.