Czechia offers gas lifeline to Slovakia as EU advances Russian ban

PRAGUE – Czechia has proposed expedited gas support to Slovakia after EU energy ministers endorsed phasing out Russian gas imports, with a full ban planned for January 2028.

Only Hungary and Slovakia withheld backing, citing supply security and price risks. Czech Trade and Industry Minister Lukáš Vlček acknowledged those concerns as “relevant,” but argued both countries had ample time to prepare, as Prague did by diversifying supplies and upgrading infrastructure.

Before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Czechia was also heavily reliant on Russian gas but reduced dependency by investing in western LNG terminals. While it still technically imports Russian flows, it supports a full EU-level ban.

“Russia is waging war against us, and prolonging the financing of that war makes no sense,” Vlček said.

Bratislava and Budapest maintain they lack viable alternative routes.

“We, as others, argued it is technically possible. We will again present our figures to the European Commission to show what capacity can be provided via western routes,” Vlček told reporters after Monday’s Energy Council.

Talks between Prague and Bratislava are ongoing. Vlček said he had raised the offer directly with Slovak Economy Minister Denisa Saková, most recently at the European Nuclear Forum in Bratislava.

“I told my Slovak colleague: if Slovakia needs closer cooperation, Czechia is ready,” he said, noting Bratislava’s openness. “Slovakia thanked us. The option is there, but Slovakia must request it. If it does, we are ready immediately.”

Historically, gas flowed east-to-west through Slovakia, generating transit revenue for Bratislava. A reversal would shift economics, with Prague charging for deliveries to Slovakia.