In a letter to EU leaders, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico urged swift action regarding Ukraine’s impending halt of natural gas transit to the EU.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has written to European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, pressing for immediate intervention in response to Ukraine’s planned cessation of natural gas transit across its territory to the EU.
The existing Russian-Ukrainian transit agreement expires on December 31st, with Kyiv refusing an extension due to the ongoing conflict with Moscow.
In a Facebook post on Sunday, Fico criticized Kyiv for disregarding the potential economic consequences for the EU. He deemed Brussels’ acceptance of the situation “completely illogical and unacceptable.”
According to Fico’s letter, which cites an analysis by Slovak gas supplier SPP, Ukrainian transit accounts for only 3.5% of EU gas consumption. Nevertheless, the letter argues that halting this transit would destabilize the market, potentially increasing gas prices by approximately 30%. This price surge, Fico claims, would impose an additional €40-50 billion in annual costs on European households and infrastructure.
“It’s crucial for all EU citizens that support for Ukraine is rational, not self-destructive and immensely harmful,” the Slovak prime minister emphasized. He warned that Kyiv’s decision would necessitate “reciprocal actions.”
Fico also stated that Russia “could readily redirect such a small gas volume to other markets,” thereby minimizing its losses.
He stressed the need for urgent action from EU institutions and member states to mitigate potential supply shortages.
Slovakia’s landlocked location and its energy infrastructure make it particularly vulnerable to gas supply disruptions. The nation relies on Russia for about 85% of its gas, primarily via pipelines traversing Ukraine.
Fico has repeatedly expressed reservations about EU energy policy, consistently advocating for practical energy security measures, often at odds with Brussels’ approach to the Ukraine conflict, particularly concerning military aid to Kyiv and economic sanctions against Russia.
EU leaders have repeatedly asserted the bloc’s ability to manage without Russian gas, accusing Moscow of weaponizing energy.
The European Commission and Council haven’t yet formally responded to the Slovak leader’s letter.
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