Slovak Government Delegation Travels to Brussels for Gas Transit Talks

Bratislava, January 9 (TASR) - Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD) and Economy Minister Denisa Sakova (Voice-SD) departed for Brussels on Thursday morning for bilateral talks with representatives of the European Commission (EC) regarding the suspension of Russian gas transit to Slovakia, TASR learnt from its special correspondent on the same day. The original meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, with the participation of a Ukrainian delegation, but, according to a statement by Slovakia's Government Office, the European Commission cancelled it because the Ukrainian side was absent and then rescheduled it for Thursday. At the end of 2024, the contract for the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine expired, and Kyiv decided not to extend the agreement. In response, the Slovak premier announced the possible adoption of reciprocal measures, such as halting electricity supplies and reducing aid to Ukrainian people on Slovak territory. He also repeatedly warned of a potential annual loss of half a billion euros for Slovakia and estimated the financial burden for the European Union as a whole at 60 to 70 billion euros. The Slovak government delegation is expected to return to the country on Thursday afternoon. lin/df