The European Commission (EC) on Wednesday rejected claims of an emerging energy crisis linked to the suspension of Russian oil supplies via Ukraine. The disruption led Slovakia and Hungary to veto the EU’s 20th package of sanctions against Russia on Monday (23 February).
EC spokesperson for climate, energy, transport and housing, Anna-Kaisa Itkonen, told journalists in Brussels that there is no immediate threat to the EU’s security of supply. She explained that non-Russian oil is being delivered to Hungary via Croatia through the Adria pipeline, while additional shipments are arriving through the Omišalj terminal.
Following Wednesday’s government meeting, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) said that oil deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline are likely to resume next month, with 3 March considered the earliest possible date. He noted that the pipeline is undamaged and capable of transporting oil.
“We expect the situation to stabilise once the oil tankers arrive, but I consider it highly unprofessional and hostile for the Ukrainian side to provide us with different dates each day,” Fico said, referring to the repeated postponements of the Druzhba pipeline’s reopening. He added that the Slovak government is prepared to take further reciprocal measures against Ukraine, stressing that it is Ukraine’s obligation to ensure the transit of oil owned by Slovnaft to Slovakia.
Source: TASR, STVR
