Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has announced plans to obstruct a significant €90 billion European Union loan to Ukraine unless inspectors are allowed to assess the damaged Druzhba oil pipeline. In a recent video statement, Fico indicated that he will meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Paris on March 10 to demand access for experts to the pipeline.
Fico’s stance mirrors that of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has previously used similar tactics. He stated, “The most important message will be that Slovakia is ready, if necessary, to take over the baton from Hungary. Blocking this massive military gift to Ukraine is a legitimate tool to restore oil supplies.”
Reuters reports that Slovakia has already halted emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict. The Druzhba pipeline, which transports Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia through Ukraine, has been out of operation since late January following a fire caused by a Russian attack that severely damaged the infrastructure.
The Ukrainian government asserts that the pipeline cannot be quickly repaired, while Hungary and Slovakia allege that Kyiv is deliberately delaying restoration for political reasons. This situation has led Hungary to veto new EU sanctions against Russia and block the €90 billion loan intended for Ukraine.
Additionally, Orban recently announced that Hungary would suspend gasoline and diesel shipments to Ukraine until the Druzhba pipeline is operational again. This ongoing dispute highlights the complexities of energy politics in the region, as both countries leverage their positions in relation to Ukraine’s energy needs.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has threatened to block a €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine unless inspectors are allowed to examine the damaged Druzhba pipeline. This move reflects ongoing tensions in energy politics between Slovakia, Hungary, and Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict.