Headline: Slovak PM Robert Fico’s Open Letter to EU Leaders Over Ukraine‘s Gas Transit Stance
Article:
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has penned an open letter to European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, expressing his discontent with Ukraine’s decision not to continue the transit of Russian gas after 2024. Fico published his letter on social media, as reported by " Yevropiska Pravda".
In his letter, Fico argues that the European Commission’s and the majority of member states’ silent approval of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s unilateral decision is irrational and disadvantageous for Europe. He warns that this move could lead to tension and retaliatory measures.
Fico asserts that Ukraine’s decision will have significant negative impacts on Europe’s efforts to keep pace with rapidly developing countries worldwide. He questions whether the Commission’s and member states’ stance is based on a thorough, professional analysis of the economic consequences or if such analysis was conducted but not openly discussed with member states.
Citing documents from Slovakia’s oil and gas company SPP, Fico insists that Europe will bear a greater brunt of the Transit from Gas than Russia. He urges EU leaders to pay heed to this unprecedented situation and address it promptly.
Notably, Slovakia has repeatedly advocated for the extension of the Ukraine-Russia gas transit agreement, which expires in 2024. However, Zelensky has stated that Ukraine will not revive the agreement with Gazprom and is unlikely to use Russian gas under the guise of other sources, such as Azerbaijan.
Last month, Fico sparked outrage when he traveled to Russia and met with Vladimir Putin, the leader of the country that annexed Ukraine’s Crimea region and continues to back separatists in eastern Ukraine. In the aftermath, Fico also threatened to halt electricity supplies to Ukraine.
