European Commission Confirms Slovakia's Dual Fuel Pricing Discriminatory

Brussels, 24 March (TASR-correspondent) - Slovakia's decision to introduce dual fuel pricing, thereby favouring domestic drivers over vehicles with foreign registration plates, is "highly discriminatory", the European Commission's (EC) spokespersons service confirmed for TASR's special correspondent in Brussels on Tuesday. The measure has been in effect in Slovakia since Monday (23 March). During a briefing with journalists accredited in Brussels on Tuesday, EC spokesperson Ricardo Cardoso specified that the EU had taken note of the Slovak government's measures, which introduced a 30-day period of restrictions on diesel refuelling and dual diesel prices for domestic and foreign vehicles. Under the rules, foreign drivers must pay higher prices than Slovak ones. Cardoso stressed that "this measure is highly discriminatory". A response sent to TASR echoed this tone, with spokesperson Ruya Perincek reiterating the previous statement regarding the EC's concerns. According to the official response, "the EC considers this measure to be highly discriminatory and in breach of EU law". The EC also stated that it understands the need to support people at this time, but the measures adopted must not discriminate against anyone based on nationality, nor should they undermine the integrity of the single market. "The Commission will take appropriate legal steps to ensure compliance. At this moment, it is important that member states should not act unilaterally in such matters," reads the response, which was also issued by the EC Representation in Slovakia. jrg/df