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4 clusters · 13 sources · 32 days · First seen · Last updated

Slovakia energy project disputes

Overview

In late July 2026, the Slovak government’s flagship nuclear power plant at Jaslovské Bohunice hit a roadblock when the ownership of the joint Slovak‑Czech venture JESS became contested. Slovakia must buy the Czech utility CEZ’s 49% share, but the economy minister demanded an independent appraisal before finalising the deal, stalling construction despite the prime minister’s push for faster progress.

A week later, a separate controversy emerged around the Centre for Energy Recovery of Waste (CEZO) planned at the Slovnaft refinery in Bratislava. Environmental activists and the Progressive Slovak (PS) movement filed complaints, alleging the waste‑to‑energy plant would worsen air quality and pose a “hazard to health.” Slovnaft defended the project, citing compliance with EU standards and its potential to supply a quarter of the city’s energy.

By mid-August, the JESS dispute intensified. While the Czech utility ČEZ rejected allegations of illegality, stating the stake was valued at 189 million euros by Ernst & Young and approved by the Ministry of Finance, political tensions rose. Prime Minister Robert Fico threatened legal action against analyst Eduard Chmelár over televised comments regarding the transaction. Chmelár defended his remarks, citing previous reservations from the Ministry of Economy and the Office of Public Procurement.

Negotiations continued into late August, with a meeting scheduled for August 24 involving shareholders and potentially Economy Minister Denisa Saková. The outcome may necessitate a third expert assessment to determine the fair value of the share. Meanwhile, opposition members have questioned the project's total cost, citing discrepancies between media reports of a 15 billion euro price tag and alternative estimates of roughly 8 billion euros, while also criticizing JESS management.

Entities

ČEZ · Jadrová energetická spoločnosť Slovenska · Denisa Saková · CEZO waste‑to‑energy plant · Jaslovské Bohunice

Timeline

  1. 19 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 4 sources
    Slovak government negotiates ČEZ stake buyout in JESS

    The Slovak government is negotiating to buy a 49% stake in JESS from Czech firm ČEZ to facilitate the construction of a new nuclear power source in Jaslovské Bohunice.

  2. 24 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 4 sources
    Slovak government and ČEZ dispute nuclear project stake buyout

    Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and energy group ČEZ are responding to criticisms regarding the 189 million euro buyout of ČEZ's stake in the JESS nuclear project.

  3. about 1 month ago

    [POLITICS] 3 sources
    Slovnaft defends CEZO waste‑to‑energy plant in Bratislava amid opposition

    Progressive Slovak opposes the Bratislava CEZO waste‑to‑energy plant, citing health and pollution risks, while Slovnaft says the project is safe, EU‑compliant and strategically vital.

  4. about 2 months ago

    [POLITICS] 3 sources
    Slovakia's nuclear megaproject stalled over CEZ stake dispute

    Slovakia's planned nuclear plant at Jaslovské Bohunice remains delayed as Minister Denisa Saková says the state must secure an independent valuation before buying the 49 % CEZ stake in joint venture JESS, even

Sources

bydlet.cz · dennikn.sk · info.sk · newsnow.tasr.sk · noizz.aktuality.sk · postoj.sk · refresher.sk · svetkrestanstva.postoj.sk · ta3.com · topky.sk · webnoviny.sk · www1.pluska.sk · zurnal.pravda.sk

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history