On March 16, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico engaged in a 45-minute conversation with European Council President Charles Michel, during which he emphasized the need to prioritize the interests of Slovakia and Hungary over those of Ukraine regarding the Druzhba oil pipeline.
Fico expressed gratitude that a significant portion of their discussion focused on the restoration of operations for the Druzhba pipeline, which runs through Ukraine. He stated, “The EU cannot place the interests of Ukraine above those of member states like Slovakia or Hungary.” This remark underscores the ongoing tensions between these nations and Ukraine, particularly concerning energy supplies.
During the conversation, Fico criticized what he described as a “unilateral and harmful step” taken by Ukraine’s president to halt oil transit through the pipeline. He asserted that Slovakia expects EU institutions to exert pressure on Ukraine’s leadership to restore Russian oil supplies, which Slovakia claims it is entitled to until the end of 2027.
Fico also voiced dissatisfaction with the European Commission’s lack of concrete proposals to lower electricity prices, despite repeated requests from EU leaders. His comments reflect broader concerns among member states regarding energy security and pricing in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In related developments, Hungary and Slovakia initiated discussions on the Druzhba pipeline at an EU Council meeting on the same day. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto announced that Hungary would continue to block the pipeline’s operations until Ukraine resumes oil transit. This stance aligns with Fico’s position and highlights a united front among these two nations regarding energy issues.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously indicated that restoring operations of the Druzhba pipeline would be tantamount to lifting sanctions on Russia, further complicating the situation.
The ongoing dialogue between Slovakia, Hungary, and the EU raises important questions about energy policy and the balance of interests within the bloc, particularly as it navigates the complexities of its relationship with Ukraine.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has called for the resumption of the Druzhba oil pipeline, emphasizing the need for EU interests to align with those of Slovakia and Hungary. This development highlights ongoing tensions regarding energy supplies amid the conflict in Ukraine.