Fico Seeks EU Backing to Secure Slovak Gas Supplies Amid Ukraine Tensions

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico plans to meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss maintaining Slovakia's gas supplies via Ukraine. Despite Ukraine's refusal to extend a transit contract with Gazprom amidst conflict, Fico hopes for alternative solutions with EU support.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is set to meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday, as he seeks support for his initiatives to ensure continued gas supplies through Ukraine.

Despite Ukraine's decision to reject extending the transit agreement with Russia's Gazprom due to ongoing conflict, Fico highlighted potential alternatives to keep the gas route operational next year. Slovakia, reliant on Russian gas supplied through Ukraine, could face a financial burden of 220 million euros ($231 million) if forced to purchase gas from other sources.

While Fico hopes for EU backing for these arrangements, the European Commission has reiterated its stance against supporting the extension of contracts or other solutions facilitating Russian gas flows.

(With inputs from agencies.)