Slovak Foreign Minister Blanár to visit Moscow for intergovernmental commission meeting

Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár is traveling to Moscow to participate in an intergovernmental commission meeting aimed at establishing a framework for cooperation in six key areas: energy, nuclear energy, agriculture, environmental protection, tourism, and culture/sports. Blanár emphasized that the goal is to maintain open contact and avoid building a “new iron curtain” between the EU and Russia, while ensuring cooperation remains within the bounds of EU sanctions.

A primary focus of the visit is Slovakia’s energy security. Blanár noted that due to European Commission decisions, Slovakia may be required to end Russian gas imports by September next year. However, a contract with the state-owned Slovak Gas Industry (SPP) remains in effect until 2034 under “take or pay” conditions. Failure to adhere to these terms could result in compensation claims against Slovakia exceeding 10 billion euros, with potential arbitration costs rising to 16 billion euros.

During the trip, Blanár is scheduled to meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to discuss bilateral relations and economic and energy cooperation.