Fico: We Expected Infringement Over Fuel Prices, Will Negotiate with EC

Bratislava, 1 May (TASR) – Slovakia will negotiate with the European Commission (EC) over an infringement procedure, Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) has declared, adding that the government had anticipated proceedings over the dual pricing of fuels. Fico reiterated that the measure is temporary and that an EC decision is still a long way off. "Infringement takes some time, we'll negotiate with the EC. I believe that there will come a moment when everything will calm down," he said. Fico underlined the importance of restarting the Druzhba oil pipeline for Slovakia. He also pointed to fuel-price levels in Slovakia when compared with the other Visegrad Group countries. "Every country that protects its own interests usually goes against the interests of the EC or its legislation. We will consult this. It's still very far from any EC decision," the prime minister added. The EC has launched legal proceedings against Slovakia over discriminatory treatment of EU citizens when refuelling vehicles. Diesel prices for drivers of cars registered outside Slovakia have been regulated, while drivers of cars registered in Slovakia benefit from a lower market price. The measure was originally adopted for 30 days, but its duration was extended on 17 April. As a first legal step, the Commission sent Slovakia a formal notice. Slovakia has two months to respond and address the shortcomings. If the EU executive doesn't receive a satisfactory reply, it may issue a reasoned opinion as the next step. mf/df