Slovakia Nears End of Russian Gas Reliance, But Indirect Routes Remain a Concern
Table of Contents
As Europe seeks to wean itself off Russian energy, Slovakia is poised to significantly reduce its direct dependence on Russian gas. However, the complete elimination of Moscow’s influence on the country’s energy supply remains uncertain, with potential for continued, albeit indirect, imports.
The shift in Slovakia’s energy policy, initially maintained even after the outbreak of war in Ukraine in 2022, is largely driven by the European Union’s REPowerEU plan. According to the plan, Slovakia’s state-owned gas utility, SPP, is expected to cease direct purchases of gas from Gazprom by 2028. SPP has already indicated a substantial decrease in the proportion of Russian gas within its portfolio, with producers demonstrating a move towards alternative suppliers.
Despite these developments, concerns linger about the possibility of Russian gas re-entering the Slovak market through third-party buyers. “Until now, Moscow has always found its way to Slovakia with gas,” one analyst noted, highlighting the potential for circumvention of the direct import ban. This raises questions about the effectiveness of the REPowerEU plan and the true extent of Slovakia’s energy independence.
The Complexities of European Subsidies
The situation is further complicated by the prospect of Brussels subsidizing gas purchases for Slovakia through European funds. This seemingly paradoxical scenario – receiving financial support to purchase a fuel the EU is actively trying to reduce reliance on – has sparked debate. A senior official stated that the plan “sounds strange,” questioning the logic of subsidizing gas consumption while simultaneously aiming for energy independence.
Broader Energy Concerns in the Region
Slovakia’s energy security is not solely reliant on gas. Recent developments involving oil supplies are also raising concerns. On October 29, 2025, reports surfaced that Slovnaft is facing oil shortages, while Croatian authorities claim the situation is stable. Furthermore, Croatian company Janaf seized 90,000 tons of oil from Slovnaft, creating a potential risk of supply disruptions for the region.
These issues are occurring alongside discussions about energy assistance programs and the impact of the Green Deal on Slovak households. Energy experts are already sending letters to households regarding assistance, while debates continue regarding the financial burden of transitioning to green energy sources. In October 2025, a report indicated that Slovakia has “fallen to the bottom of Europe” in certain energy metrics, but possesses a potential advantage in the development of green energy.
The energy landscape in Slovakia, and across Europe, remains dynamic and complex. While direct reliance on Russian gas is diminishing, the challenges of ensuring a secure, affordable, and sustainable energy future are far from over.
.
