Late Monday, the European Commission abruptly called off a high-stakes meeting scheduled for Tuesday between Kyiv and Bratislava, citing the Ukrainian delegation’s inability to attend in person. Although Ukraine proposed an online alternative, Brussels rejected the offer, insisting on face-to-face discussions—a decision that highlights a striking lack of urgency on the Commission’s part.
The cancellation comes as tensions between Ukraine and Slovakia hit a fever pitch. On January 1, Ukraine opted not to renew its transit agreement with Gazprom, halting the flow of Russian gas through its territory into Central Europe. This bold move, aimed at cutting Russian energy revenues, has Brussels’ backing but has thrown several EU nations into an energy crunch.
Countries like Austria, Czechia, and Slovenia, which previously relied on Russian gas through Ukraine, have already pivoted to pricier alternatives, including American LNG. However, Slovakia, the hardest-hit of them all, is not taking this transition lying down. Bratislava has threatened “reciprocal measures,” including suspending electricity exports to Ukraine, unless the transit agreement is reinstated or it receives compensation for an annual revenue loss of €500 million.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has taken his grievances directly to EU leadership. In a plea addressed to the presidents of the European Commission and EU Council, he warned that Ukraine’s unilateral decision could cost the bloc up to €120 billion annually—dwarfed only by Russia’s projected €2 billion loss. The stark contrast underscores the economic toll Slovakia fears it will bear.
Fico didn’t mince words, accusing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of “sabotaging Slovakia’s public finances” and harming the financial interests of the EU. He also urged Slovakia to assert its sovereignty amid what he perceives as the EU’s disregard for its member states’ concerns.
The Commission’s decision to cancel the meeting has only fueled Slovakia’s frustration. A Slovak government statement confirmed the postponement, noting that the Commission is seeking a new date. Meanwhile, an anonymous diplomatic source revealed that Ukraine’s offer for a virtual meeting was flatly rejected.
Slovakia’s irritation stems from what it sees as Brussels siding with Ukraine at the expense of its own member nations’ energy security. As the crisis deepens, EU leaders appear to be downplaying the economic fallout, showing little urgency to resolve the brewing conflict.
This episode underscores the fragile balance Brussels must strike between supporting Ukraine and addressing the legitimate concerns of its member states. With Slovakia feeling sidelined and other EU nations bracing for economic aftershocks, the energy crisis could deepen fractures within the bloc if no swift resolution is found.
