On December 31, 2024, Ukraine announced it would cease the transit of Russian gas, a decision that poses challenges for Slovakia, an EU member, and Moldova, a non-member. The European Commission has intervened, stating that it is prepared for this development.
A spokesperson from the Commission emphasized that the EU's gas infrastructure is sufficiently flexible to deliver non-Russian gas through alternative routes to Central and Eastern Europe.
This decision follows the expiration of a transit contract that Ukraine had previously indicated would not be renewed. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico responded by threatening to halt electricity supplies to Ukraine, criticizing the unilateral decision by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as irrational and likely to escalate tensions.
The EU Commission has downplayed the potential impact on supply security, noting that it has been preparing for over a year for a scenario without Ukrainian gas transit. The agency has been working with member states to ensure alternative gas supplies are available.
Experts warn that a complete halt of gas transit through Ukraine would mark a significant shift in European gas supply dynamics. Countries like Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Hungary still rely on Russian pipeline gas, which could lead to supply challenges. Austria, while also dependent on Russian gas, has indicated it is well-prepared due to filled gas storage and alternative import routes through Italy and Germany.