Energy Collaboration Between the Czech Republic and Ukraine
The Czech Republic has announced plans to secure long-term transportation of Azerbaijani oil and gas to Central Europe, leveraging Ukraine's pipeline network and the 'Druzhba' oil pipeline. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš discussed this initiative with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a meeting in Yerevan in May. Ukraine agreed to the transit, marking a significant step forward in energy ties between the two nations.
The Babiš-Zelenskyy meeting took place on the sidelines of the European Political Community (EPC) summit and was the first in-person encounter between the leaders since Babiš returned to his role as head of the Czech government. During the talks, Babiš confirmed positive progress in negotiations following his working visit to Montenegro.
“I asked President Zelenskyy whether Ukraine would permit the transit of Azerbaijani oil and gas across its territory. He replied that it is possible,” said Andrej Babiš.
As part of this cooperation, the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade has announced its intention to purchase at least 2 billion cubic meters of Azerbaijani natural gas annually. The gas purchase agreement is in its final stages of approval, with physical deliveries via Ukraine's gas transmission system expected to begin between 2028 and 2029. Notably, Baku is already among the top suppliers of crude oil to the Czech Republic.
Reverse Flow Mode and Energy Challenges
Separately, Slovakia has formally asked Prague to help facilitate a reverse flow operation on the Druzhba pipeline. Implementing this reversal will take at least a year, as Slovakia and Hungary remain the last EU countries critically dependent on Russian oil and gas imports. The European Union has set a goal to completely halt energy purchases from Moscow by the end of 2027.
Additionally, Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces Karel Řehka has issued a warning about accelerating defense preparations. These developments highlight the intensifying energy cooperation among the Czech Republic, Ukraine, and Azerbaijan, as well as broader EU efforts to diversify energy supplies.
This progress underscores the strategic importance of cross-border collaboration in reducing reliance on Russian energy. Given the new challenges to European energy security, such agreements could lay the groundwork for further integration of energy markets and the creation of alternative supply routes. They may also contribute to regional stability and strengthen ties between Ukraine and its European partners.
In a related development, Slovakia is poised to finalize a long-term gas agreement with Azerbaijan, which underscores the region's shifting energy dynamics. This deal, expected to last for a decade, aims to reduce reliance on Russian energy sources, aligning with similar efforts by the Czech Republic and Ukraine. For more details on Slovakia's strategic energy move, see Slovakia's upcoming gas partnership with Azerbaijan.