Slovak PM warns of economic shock as EU faces gas transit cut-off

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has warned that Europe will struggle to remain competitive without gas transit through Ukraine and said his country will push for its restoration, Russian news agency Prime reported.

Speaking on March 17 after a meeting with European Union ambassadors, Fico stressed that gas transit via Ukraine is a key factor for Europe’s economic stability, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Slovakia, he said, would continue diplomatic efforts to restart the flow of Russian gas through the Ukrainian pipeline network.

Bratislava has repeatedly expressed its commitment to maintaining gas transportation through its territory to Western European countries. Fico has argued that halting the transit would result in substantial economic losses, estimating that Slovakia could lose around €500 million annually due to the shutdown and a further €1 billion due to rising gas prices.

He also warned that the suspension of gas transit via Ukraine could cost the European Union approximately €70 billion.

Regarding military assistance to Ukraine, Fico has stated that, “Slovakia will not take part in any military mission in Ukraine and will not send a single cent for military aid.”

However, he expressed support for holding another joint government meeting between Slovakia and Ukraine in the format of consultations. According to Fico, the upcoming talks should focus on implementing mutually beneficial projects for both countries.

By Aghakazim Guliyev