Delegation of EC Experts to Visit Slovakia Over Phase-out of Russian Gas Imports

Brussels/Bratislava, 1 July (TASR) - A delegation of experts from the European Commission's high-level task force, established in cooperation with Bratislava earlier this year, will visit Slovakia, the European Commission confirmed to TASR on Tuesday. The delegation is expected to meet with local partners to jointly assess the situation regarding the Commission’s plan to gradually phase out imports of energy resources from Russia by the end of 2027. TASR requested the statement from the European Commission following media reports that a "high-level" group visit to Slovakia is scheduled for 3 July to finalise details. The composition of the delegation has not been disclosed. „The Commission remains fully committed to continuing very close cooperation with all member states, especially those most concerned about the gradual phase-out of gas imports, as has already been the case prior to submitting the legislative proposal,” the EC stated. It added that Brussels has taken note of Slovakia's concerns but declined to comment on them. The Commission emphasised that it seeks to maintain cooperation with member states and continuously supports them in efforts to diversify energy sources, secure reliable alternatives, improve market integration, and develop infrastructure — all aimed at completing a true energy union. „The gradual phasing out of Russian gas, hand in hand with decarbonisation, will strengthen our collective resilience,” the EU’s executive body said. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD), speaking after the one-day European Council meeting in Brussels on Friday night (27 June), reiterated that Slovakia will not support the EU’s 18th sanctions package against Russia unless it receives guarantees from the European Commission regarding the proposal to end Russian gas imports as of January 2028. He discussed the matter ahead of the summit with EC President Ursula von der Leyen. mf/mcs