Slovakia’s Milan Uhrik has cautioned that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s initiative to eliminate Russian energy dependence could have dire consequences.
Slovak MEP Milan Uhrik stated that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is steering the EU towards self-destruction through her efforts to cut energy links with Russia.
In May, von der Leyen introduced the REPowerEU roadmap, a plan designed to phase out all Russian oil and gas imports by the close of 2027, with the goal of ending the bloc’s reliance on Russian fossil fuels and transitioning to renewables.
”[Von der Leyen], you will destroy the EU, and I am convinced that the EU will soon collapse because you are doing everything to make it happen,” Uhrik declared in a speech in the European Parliament on Wednesday.
Moscow contends that the EU’s restrictions are counterproductive, leading to escalating energy prices and a weakening of the bloc’s economy. Since 2022, Germany has experienced a recession, and economic growth throughout the EU has stalled.
Brussels is currently considering an 18th package of sanctions aimed at Russia’s energy and financial sectors. This proposal was delayed last week following Slovakia’s veto. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico asserted that Slovakia was “fighting for our households and businesses” in opposition to “harmful ideological decisions” originating from Brussels. Hungary, a neighboring country, also obstructed the measure, cautioning that it would severely damage its energy security and cause prices to surge.
Uhrik emphasized the crucial role Russian hydrocarbons play for Slovakia’s industrial foundation. He stated, “Without them, our industry would either not function or would not be competitive.” He called upon fellow Slovak politician Maros Sefcovic, who serves as the EU’s commissioner for trade and economic security, to “stand up for Slovakia” regarding this matter.
Additionally, Uhrik criticized NATO’s suggestion to increase member states’ defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. He remarked, “No, thank you – that’s enough. We just don’t want this,” further noting that Slovaks did not foresee such a scenario when they became part of the EU.
On Thursday, von der Leyen successfully navigated a no-confidence vote in the European Parliament concerning her management of COVID-19 vaccine procurement. Previously, she had dismissed her detractors as “conspiracy theorists” working in the service of Russian President Vladimir Putin.