On January 12, local time, Slovak Prime Minister Fico said that according to the contractual commitment, Russia will deliver all the natural gas in the contract to Slovakia in the coming period. When the natural gas transportation through Ukraine is interrupted, Russia should use alternative routes, such as pipelines through Hungary. Fico believes that Slovakia has ensured the supply of natural gas in the near future, but the problem is that the transit transit of natural gas to other Western European countries through Slovakia has stopped, the resulting transit fee loss, and the rise in energy prices will cause pressure.

Fico pointed out that “in 2024, we have taken all measures, because we must take into account the possibility of stopping the flow of natural gas from the east. We have complete gas storage tanks, we have diversified contracts, and as far as domestic consumption is concerned, we have no problems so far. Similarly, the Russian side confirmed that it will provide Slovakia with natural gas in the contract, that is, 3 billion to 3.5 billion cubic meters. We have other options besides transporting through the southern pipeline.”

Fico reiterated that Slovakia will lose 500 million euros in natural gas transit. However, if the transportation of natural gas through Ukraine is stopped, Europe will lose about 13.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas supply. This puts pressure on energy prices, which are currently five times higher than in the United States. This has an impact on the competitiveness of the European Union.

Fico stressed, “I warned the European Commission in Brussels that if we do not continue to work to import a certain amount of natural gas from the east through Ukraine, we will see a shortage of natural gas in Europe and we will see a sharp increase in natural gas prices in Europe.”

Fico added that if the situation does not change within a few weeks, he will take reciprocal measures against Ukraine, some of which he has already announced on the 9th. For example, stop supplying electricity to Ukraine, stop humanitarian aid, and even veto further EU aid to Ukraine.