Slovakia and Azerbaijan Forge New Energy Partnership
Slovakia is moving toward a long-term agreement with Azerbaijan for natural gas imports, part of a broader strategy to diversify supply sources and comply with EU mandates to phase out Russian energy. Deputy Prime Minister and Environment Minister Tomas Taraba confirmed the two sides are negotiating a contract lasting at least ten years. The head of Slovakia’s largest energy operator, SPP, Martin Chuska, added that efforts to secure alternative energy supplies are ongoing.
SPP in Talks with SOCAR to Boost Energy Security
SPP is currently in discussions with Azerbaijan’s state-owned corporation SOCAR. These talks focus on several key areas:
- gas transport routes to Central Europe;
- supply volumes;
- assessment of pipeline infrastructure.
Initial test deliveries of Azerbaijani gas to Slovakia began in 2024.
At the same time, Slovakia continues to import Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline and Russian gas through the TurkStream pipeline. The European Union has set deadlines to end reliance on Russian energy, including a ban on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas by the end of 2026 and pipeline gas by November 2027. New contracts with Russian suppliers are also prohibited.
On April 23, the Slovak section of the Druzhba pipeline resumed receiving crude oil. Economy Minister Denisa Sakova confirmed the restart of transit, stating:
“Oil reception is currently proceeding according to the agreed plan.” — Denisa Sakova
This deal with Azerbaijan marks a significant step for Slovakia within the framework of European energy policy aimed at reducing dependence on Russian supplies. The Slovak government, in line with EU requirements, is actively seeking new energy sources, highlighting the critical role of supply route diversification for national security. However, the continued import of Russian oil underscores that transitioning to alternative energy sources will require time and comprehensive solutions.
As Slovakia navigates its energy transition, the implications of maintaining ties with Russian oil imports through the Druzhba pipeline remain crucial. This ongoing dependency contrasts sharply with the country's efforts to establish a more secure energy future. For a deeper understanding of how these sanctions are influencing Slovakia's energy strategy, read more about the conditions set for Russian oil in our detailed report regarding EU sanctions.