Slovak premier Fico calls for emergency EU summit on soaring fuel prices

Amid a global rise in oil and fuel prices linked to conflict in the Middle East, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico appealed to EU leaders for an extraordinary summit to find a European solution. As one outlet chair of the Visegrad Four, he warned that demanding member states to compensate for soaring fuel costs by cutting pensions, health or education reveals both EU incapacity and cynicism. Fico said his cabinet will meet on Wednesday to chart a response, emphasizing that Slovakia has kept fuel prices among the EU's lowest and will explore options based on the price law and collaboration with the Slovnaft refinery.

He did not disclose specific measures. Deputy speaker Tibor Gašpar, representing the Direction - Social Democracy party, stated there is no room for fuel tax reductions. Meanwhile, the Czech government announced it will restore fuel price regulation in early October, reduce diesel excise, and impose a special tax on refineries. Opposition parties have repeatedly pressed the Slovak cabinet to act against high fuel costs, recalling Fico's earlier criticism of the previous government’s inaction.