Premier: We Won’t Block EU Summit Decisions if Gas Transit is Restored

Bratislava, March 6 (TASR) - If Thursday's EU summit discussion include a call to find a solution for resuming gas transit through Ukraine to Slovakia, Slovakia won't block the final decisions, Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD) stated at the House European Affairs Committee on Thursday, before his departure for the EU summit in Brussels. "I think it's reasonable to mention the need to find a solution for resuming gas transit with the European Commission, Ukraine, and Slovakia is acceptable," said Fico. "If the final decisions include such a formulation, we have no reason not to support them [the decisions]," Fico added. The premier also admitted that some countries may disagree with Slovakia's request, as "there are countries within the Union that are openly militant and wish for the continuation of the war." "I must expect significant disagreement with the request for resuming transit. I see how some are saying that we've gone mad," he added. Fico also stated that economic figures clearly demonstrate the necessity of resuming transit. "I'm not the only one saying this, even German companies are saying that without resuming transit, the European economy won't be competitive," he added. Fico stated that Slovakia won't agree to military aid for Ukraine but won't block bilateral agreements between Ukraine and EU-Member states. The premier will travel to Brussels on Thursday for a special EU summit. EU leaders will discuss the current situation in Ukraine, with the topic of European defence also on the agenda, aiming to help the Union become more sovereign and better equipped to address current and future security challenges. He also announced that the key issue for Slovakia in the negotiations will be the restoration of gas transit, and Slovakia will propose formulations to be included in the final agreements of the summit. lin