Voice-SD: Doubts Arise Over Slovakia’s Continued Support for Ukraine’s EU Membership

Bratislava – Slovakia faces significant financial losses amounting to hundreds of millions of euros due to its decision to source gas from alternative suppliers, alongside a reduction in transit fees from other nations, following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent actions. This situation raises concerns about whether Slovakia will continue to support Ukraine's aspirations for EU membership if Zelensky maintains this stance. The Hlas-SD party expressed these sentiments in a statement regarding the suspension of gas supplies from Ukraine.

“If President Zelensky aims to be seen as a reliable partner, he must act in a manner that reflects that. Slovakia has demonstrated what true partnership entails by providing substantial military, political, and humanitarian support to Ukraine, while also assisting those fleeing the devastating conflict,” emphasized the Hlas-SD party, which is the second largest coalition member.

The Hlas-SD party believes it is essential for President Zelensky to reciprocate with an equal level of respect and cooperation. The party advocates for resolving existing issues through dialogue, preferably involving the European Commission, rather than through unilateral actions from Ukraine.

A Slovak government delegation is scheduled to meet on January 9 in Brussels to address the cessation of gas transit. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) and Minister of Economy Denisa Saková (Hlas-SD), along with representatives from the European Commission, will engage in discussions concerning the halted gas supplies to Slovakia, as confirmed by the Office of the Government of the Slovak Republic (ÚV SR) on Tuesday.

On the same day, Michal Šimečka, chairman of the opposition liberal party Progressive Slovakia (PS), criticized Prime Minister Robert Fico for his handling of the gas supply situation, noting that Fico had several months to address the issue.

“Instead of fostering positive relationships with Kyiv and the EU, he chose to align himself with dictator Putin in Moscow. It is this Putin, whose brutal aggression against Ukraine has triggered the current gas crisis. Fico has held power here for most of the past 14 years, during which he could have worked to ensure Slovakia’s energy independence from Russia and diversify our gas sources. Unfortunately, he failed to take action,” the opposition leader stated. (January 7)