Bratislava – To alleviate the high gas prices in Europe, which are significantly greater than in other regions, it is essential to restore gas flow from east to west. This gas doesn’t necessarily have to come from Russia; Slovakia can procure it even before it reaches Ukrainian territory. Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) emphasized on Sunday in the Politika 24 program on Joj 24 television that while diversifying gas sources is crucial, the European Union cannot remain competitive without supplies flowing from the east, according to TASR.
Fico pointed out that the European Commission (EC) recognizes this reality. He is scheduled to discuss this matter on Monday (Feb. 3) with EU officials in Brussels.
“As Prime Minister, it is my responsibility to ensure that gas flows from east to west, allowing us to be the pipeline that supplies gas to other nations,” Fico stated, expressing his worries about the approaching winter under current conditions. Slovakia is presently utilizing gas from storage facilities, with a limited volume coming from the south via Hungary through the Turkstream pipeline.
In this context, Fico mentioned a prospective project to enhance the capacity of Turkstream, particularly in Serbian and Hungarian regions. This initiative is expected to require an investment of 800 to 900 million euros and will also be discussed with EC representatives. “This plan is very feasible, and I believe that investing 800 million euros together with several countries to ensure ongoing gas transit — not just western gas — is worthwhile,” the Prime Minister assessed.
Fico expressed hope that any future peace agreements between Ukraine and Russia would facilitate the continuity of gas flow through Ukrainian territory. He emphasized the importance of this not only for Slovakia, which benefits from such transit, but also for the overall competitiveness of the EU.
“I am optimistic that these challenging times will pass, that the war will conclude swiftly, and that Germany and other nations will recognize the necessity for diversification. Ideally, gas should be sourced from every direction. We have interconnectors with Poland, Hungary, Austria, the Czech Republic, and of course from the east. However, without gas flowing from east to west, Europe will never be competitive,” Fico underscored. (February 2)
“Ideally, gas should be sourced from every direction. We have interconnectors with Poland, Hungary, Austria, the Czech Republic, and of course from the east. However, without gas flowing from east to west, Europe will never be competitive.” Robert Fico
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