Slovak prime minister urges EU to address potential Russian gas transit halt

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has called on the European Commission to urgently address the looming halt of Russian gas transit through Ukraine, warning that the economic consequences for the European Union would far exceed the impact on Russia.

Fico's appeal, made in a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, marks his first attempt to engage her personally in the growing dispute, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

The Slovak leader sharply criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for vowing to block Russian gas flows in an effort to avoid supporting Russia’s war against Ukraine. Fico emphasized that while this decision might not directly affect Ukraine’s energy supply, it could have dire economic repercussions for Europe.

Von der Leyen, however, has refrained from directly engaging in the conflict, maintaining the EU’s stance on phasing out fossil fuel dependence on Russia. The existing gas transit agreement between Ukraine and Russia is set to expire on December 31, heightening concerns about potential disruptions.

Fico, whose country relies heavily on Russian natural gas, projected that the halt of gas transit could lead to an additional €40 billion to €50 billion ($42 billion to $52 billion) in annual gas costs for European households and businesses, as well as another €60 billion to €70 billion in higher electricity prices. In contrast, Russia would lose approximately €2 billion annually if Ukraine follows through with its decision to stop the gas flow, Fico noted.

In his letter, Fico, who has also threatened Ukraine with a possible electricity cutoff, urged the European Commission to act swiftly, though he did not propose any specific measures.

“I believe that quietly accepting the Ukrainian president’s unilateral decision is entirely irrational and wrong, leading to tensions and reciprocal measures,” Fico said in the letter provided by his media office.

He further added, "Europe should support Ukraine ‘rationally, not through self-destructive gestures that severely harm the EU."

The letter underscores Slovakia’s growing concerns about the economic fallout from Ukraine's decision and calls for the EU to take a more balanced and pragmatic approach to the situation.

By Vafa Guliyeva