Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has addressed an open letter to European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, calling for prompt action regarding Ukraine’s impending cessation of natural gas transit to the EU.

The transit agreement between Russia and Ukraine is due to expire on December 31, and Ukraine has declined to renew it, citing ongoing conflict with Moscow.

In a letter shared on Facebook on Sunday, Fico criticized Ukraine for not considering the potential repercussions of its decision on the EU economy. He described Brussels’ acceptance of the situation as “absolutely irrational and wrong.”

According to the letter, gas transit through Ukraine constitutes only 3.5% of the EU’s consumption, based on an analysis from Slovakia’s primary gas supplier and trader, SPP. Despite this relatively small percentage, any interruption could disrupt the market, potentially increasing gas prices by approximately 30%. Fico estimated that such a price increase would result in an additional annual burden of €40-50 billion for European households and infrastructure.

“It is essential for the well-being of all EU citizens that our support for Ukraine is executed in a rational manner, rather than through self-destructive and severely harmful actions,” the Slovak prime minister emphasized. He warned that Ukraine’s decision could provoke “reciprocal measures.”

Fico also pointed out that Russia could easily redirect such a minor volume of gas to other markets, thereby lessening its losses.

He stressed the need for immediate action from EU institutions and member states to address the risks of supply shortages.

As a landlocked country, Slovakia is particularly vulnerable to disruptions in natural gas supply, relying on Russia for approximately 85% of its gas needs, primarily through pipelines that pass through Ukraine.

Fico has consistently raised concerns about the energy policy of the European Union. He has been a strong proponent of practical solutions for energy security, frequently opposing Brussels’ stance on the Ukraine situation, particularly regarding military assistance to Kyiv and the imposition of economic sanctions on Russia.

Leaders of the European Union have consistently shown confidence in the bloc’s capacity to operate independently of Russian gas, accusing Moscow of leveraging energy as a tool of geopolitical influence.

The European Commission and Council have not yet provided official responses to the letter from the Slovak leader.