EU faces internal rebellion as Slovakia warns of collapse without Russian resources

By bellecarter // 2025-07-14

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Slovak MEP Milan Uhrik has warned that the EU is on a path to self-destruction under the leadership of Ursula von der Leyen, primarily due to the ambitious plan to phase out Russian oil and gas imports by 2027.
Von der Leyen's REPowerEU strategy, aimed at reducing reliance on Russian fossil fuels, has faced strong opposition from member states like Slovakia and Hungary, with concerns about economic stability and competitiveness.
The EU's energy policy has exacerbated tensions with Russia, leading to economic challenges such as Germany's recession and rising energy prices across the bloc. Slovakia, heavily dependent on Russian hydrocarbons, fears severe economic repercussions.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico criticizes the EU's "harmful ideological decisions," while Uhrik opposes NATO's proposed defense spending increase to five percent of GDP by 2035, reflecting broader discontent among some member states.
The EU faces a critical challenge in balancing its environmental and geopolitical goals with the economic realities of member states. The warnings from Slovakia underscore the need for a more unified and pragmatic approach to energy policy.

Slovak Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Milan Uhrik has declared that the European Union (EU) is on a path to self-destruction under the leadership of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The catalyst for this dire prediction? The EU's ambitious plan to completely phase out Russian oil and gas imports by the end of 2027. In May, von der Leyen unveiled the REPowerEU roadmap, a comprehensive strategy aimed at reducing the EU's reliance on Russian fossil fuels and accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources. However, this plan has been met with vehement opposition from some member states, most notably Slovakia and Hungary. During a heated session in the European Parliament on Wednesday, July 9, Uhrik accused von der Leyen of leading the EU toward collapse. "You will destroy the EU, and I am convinced that the EU will soon collapse because you are doing everything to make it happen," he stated emphatically. The current tensions between the EU and Russia over energy resources are not without historical precedent. The EU's dependence on Russian energy has been a longstanding issue, with Russia supplying approximately 40 percent of the EU's natural gas and 25 percent of its oil before the conflict in Ukraine. (Related: Is the EU finally reconsidering its energy war with Russia?) Slovakia's opposition to the EU's energy policy is rooted in its heavy reliance on Russian hydrocarbons. "Without them, our industry would either not function or would not be competitive," Uhrik asserted. He called on Maros Sefcovic, the EU's commissioner for trade and economic security and a fellow Slovak, to advocate for Slovakia's interests. The Slovak government has been vocal in its criticism of the EU's approach, with Prime Minister Robert Fico arguing that Slovakia is "fighting for our households and businesses" against what he perceives as "harmful ideological decisions" from Brussels. Fico's government vetoed the 18th sanctions package proposed by Brussels last week, a move that was supported by neighboring Hungary, which also fears the economic repercussions of such measures.

Economic and security concerns

The EU's proposed sanctions on Russia's energy and financial sectors are part of a broader strategy to isolate Russia economically. However, the effectiveness of these sanctions is debatable. While they aim to cripple Russia's economy, they also risk further destabilizing the EU's own economic landscape. The proposal for NATO members to increase defense spending to five percent of GDP by 2035 has also drawn criticism from Uhrik. "No, thank you – that's enough. We just don't want this," he said, highlighting the growing discontent among some member states about the direction of EU and NATO policies.

Balancing ideology and pragmatism

The EU's push to transition to renewable energy is driven by both environmental and geopolitical considerations. However, the transition is not without its challenges. The reliance on Russian energy has been a contentious issue, with some arguing that it undermines the EU's strategic autonomy. Von der Leyen has dismissed her critics as "conspiracy theorists" acting in the interests of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Yet, the economic realities faced by member states like Slovakia and Hungary cannot be ignored. The EU must navigate a delicate balance between its ideological commitments and the pragmatic needs of its member states. The EU's energy policy is at a crossroads. The path it chooses will have far-reaching implications, not only for its economic stability but also for its geopolitical standing. The warnings from Slovakia serve as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of a one-size-fits-all approach. In conclusion, the EU stands at a critical juncture. The warnings from Slovakia highlight the deep-seated concerns of some member states about the EU's energy policy and its broader implications. As the bloc navigates these turbulent waters, it must strive for unity and understanding. Find more stories like this at Collapse.news. Watch the video below where Dutch political commentator Eva Vlaardingerbroek blasts von der Leyen. This video is from the What is happening channel on Brighteon.com.

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Economic and security concerns

Balancing ideology and pragmatism

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