Anna Hartz
Decisions about gas and oil imports now affect relations between member states in the European Union.
Energy policy in Europe has become tightly linked with politics and legal disputes. One of the most sensitive topics is reducing dependence on Russian energy. This issue has now led to a legal challenge.
Not the correct legal procedure
Slovakia has filed a lawsuit against the European Union over new rules on ending imports of Russian gas, according to Digi24. The case targets a regulation adopted in January 2026. It sets out a plan to gradually stop importing natural gas from Russia and prepare for ending oil imports as well.
The complaint was announced by Slovakia’s justice minister Boris Susko. He said the country believes the decision was not made using the correct legal procedure. According to him, the way the regulation was approved raises serious concerns.
Slovakia argues that the measure was treated as a trade policy decision. That allowed it to be passed with a qualified majority vote. But the government says the content of the rule goes beyond trade. It also touches on foreign policy and security. In those areas, EU rules usually require unanimous agreement from all member states.
Case to be reviewed
The Slovak government says this difference matters. It believes that using the wrong procedure could weaken the balance of power inside the European Union. It also argues that important decisions should not bypass unanimous approval when they affect national interests.
Officials in Bratislava want the Court of Justice of the European Union to review the case. They are asking judges to decide whether the regulation was adopted correctly under EU law. The government says clarity is needed for future decisions as well.
The lawsuit follows earlier political statements. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said in April that legal action would be taken. The government has now followed through with that plan.
The case reflects wider tensions inside the EU over energy policy. Some countries support a faster break from Russian fuel. Others worry about economic impact and legal process. The court’s decision could influence how future energy rules are approved across the bloc.
