Slovakia has entered into a gas supply agreement with Azerbaijan, fearing the possible cessation of Russian gas transit through Ukraine. According to Reuters, the deal is currently a short-term pilot contract signed between the Slovak energy company SPP and the Azerbaijani side.
This contract will serve as the first step, with SPP ready to move toward longer-term agreements in the future. The deal with Azerbaijan is part of a strategic move to diversify energy supplies, given the threat of halted Russian gas transit through Ukraine amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions. In addition to direct deliveries from Azerbaijan, SPP has also negotiated the possibility of receiving gas through a pipeline running through Germany and the Czech Republic.
A key issue in the negotiations has been the transit of gas through Ukraine. According to previously published reports, Ukraine has set a condition for the continuation of Russian gas transit through its territory. Under this condition, Azerbaijan and Slovakia will need to reach an agreement with Moscow, ensuring that Russian forces will stop targeting gas transportation infrastructure in Ukraine. This issue remains on the agenda and could affect the stability of gas supplies to Europe in the future.
