Slovakia’s state-owned energy company, Slovensky plynarensky priemysel (SPP), is preparing to source all its natural gas imports from Russia’s Gazprom next year despite EU efforts to reduce reliance on Russian energy, according to a Bloomberg report. The company’s leadership argues that Russian gas remains the most economically viable option as European nations grapple with shifting energy policies and rising costs.
Under the EU’s RePowerEU strategy, member states aim to phase out Russian energy imports by 2027, including halting spot purchases and new pipeline contracts starting in January. However, Slovakia and neighboring Hungary secured exemptions allowing them to continue honoring existing long-term deals with Gazprom. SPP’s trade director, Michal Lalik, emphasized the financial rationale behind the decision, stating, “Russian gas is the most cost-effective for us, which is why we prioritize it.” The firm plans to import roughly 8 million cubic meters daily to meet national demand.
The move follows Slovakia’s recent withdrawal of its veto against the EU’s 18th sanctions package targeting Russia, after securing assurances from the European Commission to mitigate disruptions to its energy supplies. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, a vocal critic of EU energy policies, condemned the bloc’s push to cut ties with Moscow as “imbecilic,” warning it could destabilize both Slovakia’s economy and regional energy security. Slovakia relies on Russian gas via the TurkStream pipeline under a contract binding until 2034, which remains unaffected by the upcoming EU ban on spot purchases.
Industry representatives and government officials argue that abandoning Russian gas would force Slovakia to rely on more expensive routes through Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic, increasing costs by up to 30%. Roman Karlubik of Slovakia’s Federation of Employers’ Associations warned that such price disparities could undermine local industries: “A supposedly unified European energy market will distort competition and weaken Slovak companies.”
While the EU’s sanctions framework permits long-term contracts, the bloc remains divided over balancing energy security with geopolitical goals. Hungary, another critic of the sanctions regime, is expected to maintain its gas ties with Russia alongside Slovakia. Analysts suggest these exemptions highlight broader challenges in achieving energy independence while avoiding economic strain.
With the January deadline approaching, Slovakia’s strategy underscores the complex trade-offs facing Central European nations as global energy markets remain volatile.
