Slovakia secures gas supply amid Ukraine transit standoff

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has stated that Russia will supply Slovakia with natural gas as per the agreement, despite transit issues through Ukraine. According to "Hospodářské noviny," Slovakia has full gas storage facilities and alternative supply routes, safeguarding the country against potential interruptions.

Slovakia is facing significant challenges related to gas transit after Ukraine halted flow. Prime Minister Robert Fico argues that Ukraine's decision impacts the European Union more than Russia. However, Slovak gas storage facilities are full, giving the country time to adapt to these changes. Fico is also attempting to maintain gas transit by negotiating possible alternatives.

Fico emphasized that Slovakia could lose €500 million from transit fees, and Europe could be short of 13.5 billion cubic metres of gas. This could lead to an increase in gas prices, which are already much higher than in the United States, threatening the EU's competitiveness. Gazprom explained that Russian threats regarding the halt of gas flow through Ukraine were necessary because Ukraine had not renewed the transit contract.

Prime Minister Fico and Economy Minister Denisa Saková have spoken with EU Commissioner Dan Jörgensen about gas transit through Ukraine. A special task force at the EU level has been established to pressure Ukraine to resume transit. However, Ukraine does not intend to participate in the group's work. Ukraine decided not to renew the transit agreement, citing a desire to limit Russian revenues that could support the armed conflict.

Slovakia has alternative sources and routes for supply, such as a pipeline from Germany through Austria or from southern countries via the Southern Corridor. Fico's policy aims to secure national interests in the changing geopolitical situation, amid rising tensions with Ukraine and challenges related to EU energy security.

The Slovak government also does not wish to accept gas from the Czech Republic, even though the country has sufficient reserves and has offered supplies. Slovakia's Economy Minister Denisa Saková warns of a bottleneck.

The Czech Ministry of Industry has declared it is ready to ensure gas transmission to Slovakia in the long term, not just in emergencies.

In a letter to Slovakia, the Czech minister expressed concerns that halting gas transit through Ukraine could undermine the stability of energy supplies in certain regional countries. The minister emphasized that the Czech Republic is well-prepared to address such a scenario due to strategic investments and dependable infrastructure. Previous measures enable the Czech Republic to provide Slovakia with adequate natural gas transport and storage capacity.