Slovakia, which remains one of the last major buyers of Russian gas in the European Union, plans to change its energy policy and is seeking new supply sources, writes The Moscow Times.
Illustrative photo. Photo: Bakr Al Kasem/Anadolu via Getty Images
As announced by Slovakia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Environment, Tomáš Taraba, the country is currently negotiating with Azerbaijan to conclude a long-term gas supply contract—approximately for 10 years. The main goal of this step is to reduce dependence on Russia and diversify energy resource supplies. Azerbaijan is considered a reliable partner, having previously assisted Slovakia during supply issues.
The main challenge, however, is logistics. The parties are discussing which pipelines can be used to deliver gas from the Caucasus to Central Europe and in what volumes.
Even earlier, a Slovak energy company held negotiations with an Azerbaijani supplier, and it is known that deliveries already began in test mode in 2024. However, the specific terms — prices and volumes — are not disclosed.
Today, Slovakia, along with Hungary, remains among the few EU countries that continue to receive Russian gas. Following the cessation of transit through Ukraine, supplies are routed via a different route.
Against this backdrop, the European Union is gradually phasing out Russian gas: restrictions with a transitional period have been introduced, and by 2027, imports are to be completely halted. Slovakia opposes such measures and is even challenging them in court, believing that this could harm its economy.
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