Slovakia wants to reach an agreement on the end of Russian gas supply by Tuesday

Robert Fico, Slovakia's Prime Minister, said that the country hoped to reach an agreement by Tuesday with the European Commission and EU partner countries on guarantees it would not be affected by the end of Russian supplies as well as a new package of sanctions against Russia. Slovakia has blocked the EU's 18th sanction package because it disagrees with a different Commission proposal that would end all Russian gas imports from 2028. Slovakia claims this could lead to shortages, an increase in transit fees and prices, as well as damage claims by Russian supplier Gazprom. Fico stated that "we need to win this fight even though the result will not be 1000-0." "We are looking for political commitments and guarantees from our partners, as well as the Commission, that this problem won't be solely on Slovakian shoulders."

Fico stated that it was unclear at this time if there would be a deal, as certain issues remained.

Fico said that one of the topics under discussion is capping transit fees Slovakia will have to pay in order to use alternative routes for non Russian gas.

The majority of Slovakia's gas comes from Gazprom, under a long term agreement valid until 2034. This deal is for approximately 3.5 billion cubic meters of gas each year.

Since Ukraine has stopped Russian gas

Transitory

By the end of 2024 Slovakia will have taken gas from Hungary and Turkstream through its pipelines.

The majority of EU member states must support the Commission's proposal, but not the unanimity.

Slovakia has therefore refused to support the sanctions package until it is satisfied that its concerns about energy have been addressed.

On June 10, the European Commission proposed a second round of sanctions against Russia.

Invasion of Ukraine

More than three years ago, the Russian government targeted energy revenues, banks, and the military industry.

Fico stated that the EU foreign ministers could approve the sanctions package on Tuesday, if Slovakia drops its opposition.

Fico did not provide details, but said that he had discussed Slovakia's worries with the Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Jan Lopatka, Prague. Sharon Singleton, editing.

(source: Reuters)