Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has announced his plans to persuade Ukraine to continue gas transit after 2024, when the current agreement between Ukraine and Russian state company Gazprom expires. Fico expressed concern about potential gas supply issues for Slovakia starting in 2025, as the country receives gas via Ukraine. He stated that he would urge Kyiv to maintain transit at an intergovernmental meeting on 7 October.
Fico emphasized the importance of using Ukraine’s energy infrastructure to import gas and oil to Europe, stating that if Ukraine wants to preserve this infrastructure, it needs to be used. He also mentioned that Slovakia supports Ukraine’s European integration and expects friendly gestures from the country. Fico believes that both countries would benefit from this arrangement, as transit fees are paid.
However, Fico did not specifically mention Russian gas in his statement about preserving transit. This is because Ukraine has categorically rejected extending the contract with Gazprom for transit through its gas transportation system, which expires at the end of 2024. This poses a challenge for EU countries, including Slovakia and Austria, that still receive Russian gas via pipeline.
There have been discussions about maintaining transit to Europe through Ukraine’s gas transportation system, with the possibility of European companies purchasing gas from Azerbaijan. In July, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy mentioned negotiations with Baku about this. However, a government source clarified in September that no such talks are currently underway.
The source also stated that if Hungary or Slovakia, with the support of the European Commission, request to transport Azerbaijani gas, Ukraine would have no grounds to refuse. This is in line with the country’s Association Agreement with the EU.
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