Slovak Prime Minister Criticizes 'Irrational' EU
Robert Fico has addressed a letter to the leaders of the EU, pressing for action regarding a pending gas transit stoppage by Ukraine. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has reached out to European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen through an open letter, calling for immediate action regarding Ukraine’s impending cessation of natural gas transit to the EU.
The transit agreement between Russia and Ukraine is set to expire on December 31, and Ukraine has declined to extend it, citing ongoing conflicts with Moscow.
In his letter, published on Facebook on Sunday, Fico criticized Ukraine for not considering the potential consequences of its decision on the EU economy. He remarked that Brussels' acceptance of the situation is "absolutely irrational and wrong."
According to the letter, gas transit through Ukraine constitutes only 3.5% of EU consumption, as analyzed by Slovakia’s main gas supplier and trader, SPP. Despite this relatively small share, Fico warned that any disruption could lead to a market upheaval, potentially increasing gas prices by around 30%. He noted that such a price surge would result in an additional annual burden of €40-50 billion for European households and infrastructure.
“It is in the interest of all EU citizens that European efforts to support Ukraine should be carried out rationally, and not in the form of self-destructive and extremely damaging gestures,” Fico emphasized. He cautioned that Ukraine’s actions could lead to “reciprocal measures.”
Fico also pointed out that Russia could easily divert its gas to other markets, thereby alleviating its losses.
He stressed the need for urgent action from EU institutions and member states to address the risk of supply shortages.
Slovakia's landlocked geography makes it particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in natural gas supply. The country relies on Russia for about 85% of its gas needs, mainly through pipelines that traverse Ukraine.
Fico has consistently raised concerns about EU energy policy, advocating for practical approaches to energy security and often differing with Brussels over its stance on the Ukraine conflict, particularly regarding military support for Ukraine and economic sanctions against Russia.
EU leaders have frequently expressed confidence in the bloc's ability to sustain itself without Russian gas, accusing Moscow of wielding energy as a geopolitical weapon.
As of now, the European Commission and Council have not responded formally to Fico's letter.
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
The transit agreement between Russia and Ukraine is set to expire on December 31, and Ukraine has declined to extend it, citing ongoing conflicts with Moscow.
In his letter, published on Facebook on Sunday, Fico criticized Ukraine for not considering the potential consequences of its decision on the EU economy. He remarked that Brussels' acceptance of the situation is "absolutely irrational and wrong."
According to the letter, gas transit through Ukraine constitutes only 3.5% of EU consumption, as analyzed by Slovakia’s main gas supplier and trader, SPP. Despite this relatively small share, Fico warned that any disruption could lead to a market upheaval, potentially increasing gas prices by around 30%. He noted that such a price surge would result in an additional annual burden of €40-50 billion for European households and infrastructure.
“It is in the interest of all EU citizens that European efforts to support Ukraine should be carried out rationally, and not in the form of self-destructive and extremely damaging gestures,” Fico emphasized. He cautioned that Ukraine’s actions could lead to “reciprocal measures.”
Fico also pointed out that Russia could easily divert its gas to other markets, thereby alleviating its losses.
He stressed the need for urgent action from EU institutions and member states to address the risk of supply shortages.
Slovakia's landlocked geography makes it particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in natural gas supply. The country relies on Russia for about 85% of its gas needs, mainly through pipelines that traverse Ukraine.
Fico has consistently raised concerns about EU energy policy, advocating for practical approaches to energy security and often differing with Brussels over its stance on the Ukraine conflict, particularly regarding military support for Ukraine and economic sanctions against Russia.
EU leaders have frequently expressed confidence in the bloc's ability to sustain itself without Russian gas, accusing Moscow of wielding energy as a geopolitical weapon.
As of now, the European Commission and Council have not responded formally to Fico's letter.
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
