Slovak leader Fico raps EU for inaction on fuel prices, demands summit

Slovak PM Robert Fico criticized the European Union for failing to address'soaring fuel prices' and called on it to convene an emergency summit.

Fico, who is a populist and has warm relations with Russia, has attacked the EU and NATO more and more over the economic situation and the West’s approach to the conflict in Ukraine.

In a press release, he said that the EU left its member states "at mercy of the terrible impacts of the oil crises."

He said: "The EU's incompetence and cynicism is evident by the fact that member states are expected to pay for astronomical fuel prices at the expense pensions and healthcare.

Fico stated that the EU had demonstrated its ability to quickly convene an emergency summit and commit "hundreds" of billions of Euros to Ukraine. He argued that the bloc should show the same urgency when addressing the concerns of their own citizens about the cost of living.

He said that the Slovak Government would be preparing measures to control prices and deciding on them on Wednesday.

Fico has criticised the EU's energy policy, particularly the carbon reduction requirements which increase the cost of electricity.

The Slovakian government has slowed down the approval of EU sanctions against Russia and clashed with the EU on issues of rule of law, media freedom and refusal to take part in a funding package earmarked for Kyiv.

Fico also tried to revive economic co-operation with Moscow. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 he has met with Vladimir Putin, the Russian leader. Slovakia continues to purchase Russian gas.

Fico's remarks on Tuesday build upon his statement from last week, in which he accused NATO politicians of wanting war with Russia. He said he didn't want Slovakia drawn into a conflict, despite its obligations under NATO's Article 5 mutual-defence clause.

(source: Reuters)