Luxembourg – The Czech Republic has expressed its willingness to assist Slovakia in the event of disruptions caused by the cessation of Russian gas supplies. Minister of Industry and Trade, Lukáš Vlček, made this announcement to reporters in Luxembourg today. EU energy ministers formally backed a plan to phase out gas imports from Russia, with a complete embargo scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2028. According to ČTK, Hungary and Slovakia were the only nations to oppose this compromise, citing longstanding concerns. Minister Vlček affirmed that a complete cessation of Russian gas imports is technically achievable for all of Europe.
“I have extended my support to my Slovak counterpart on several occasions—most recently during our meeting two weeks ago in Bratislava at the European Nuclear Forum—indicating that the Czech Republic stands ready to collaborate closely if Slovakia requires assistance,” said Vlček prior to the meeting. He also had discussions with Slovak Minister Denisa Saková today, who expressed gratitude for the offer. “The option exists; however, Slovakia must indicate its desire for assistance. If they do, we are prepared to act immediately,” he added. He pointed out that Czech gas infrastructure has the capability to redirect supplies quickly, facilitating gas transfers to Slovakia from deliveries received via the western route.
Vlček recognized that Bratislava and Budapest’s concerns about the consequences of halting Russian gas imports on supply stability and energy prices are valid. “Nonetheless, I question why these member states did not respond in previous years as the Czech Republic has. We took action, modernized the TAL pipeline, and ensured gas storage, among other measures,” he remarked.
At present, oil is delivered to the Czech Republic solely through the western route via the Italian TAL pipeline and the associated IKL pipeline. Prior to this spring, oil also arrived through the Russian Druzhba pipeline, but those shipments were halted in early March, leaving the Druzhba pipeline inactive since then.
The Czech minister noted that representatives from Hungary and Slovakia voiced their concerns during negotiations, specifically mentioning their inability to secure energy supplies through alternative routes. “We contended that it is technically feasible, not only for us but for other nations as well. We will once again present our calculations to the European Commission to showcase the potential reserves of gas supplies through the western route,” Vlček concluded. (October 20)
Leave a Reply