Slovakia will begin negotiations with the EU and Ukraine regarding the continuation of Russian gas transit after the current contract expires at the end of 2024.
This was announced by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico at a press conference on December 13. He noted that in the coming days, including over the Christmas holidays, intensive negotiations will take place at various levels.
Fico emphasized that Slovakia is interested in continuing gas supplies from Russia, as it sees no reason to pay more for gas due to geopolitical considerations. He added that even in the event of a temporary halt in supplies from the east, the country has sufficient gas reserves and hopes to find a common solution for the EU, ensuring transit through Slovakia and Ukraine.
I believe that even in the case of a short-term interruption of supplies from the east, we have enough gas reserves to find a common solution for many EU countries and maintain gas transit through Slovak territory, as well as through Ukrainian territory, Fico said.
Slovak Economy Minister Denisa Sakova clarified that representatives from the European Commission, Ukraine, and EU member states will participate in the negotiations. Slovakia has a long-term contract with Gazprom and would like to continue importing gas through Ukraine. However, Ukraine does not intend to extend its transit contract with Russia. Slovak authorities have tried to find alternative transit methods but have not yet reached agreements.
