Ukraine and Slovakia strengthen cooperation in energy sector, including nuclear

As reported by the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine, Ukraine and Slovakia held intergovernmental consultations on cooperation in the energy sector on 14 April 2024.

The two delegations discussed joint steps in the nuclear industry, diversification of oil and natural gas transportation, and synchronization of market conditions and products to increase liquidity in the gas and electricity markets.

According to the ministry, the consultations form the basis for the Eastern European Energy Hub.

In particular, Deputy Minister of Energy of Ukraine Mykola Kolisnyk and Deputy Prime Minister/Minister of Economy of Slovakia Denisa Sakova discussed increasing the capacity of interconnectors and developing projects of common interest to maximize market synchronization, which is a prerequisite for enhancing regional energy security.

Also during the meeting, the parties signed a Memorandum on Deepening Cooperation in the Nuclear Sector.

The document envisages strengthening cooperation in nuclear energy, development of small modular reactors, including exchange of experience in operating nuclear facilities and fuel diversification.

The parties agreed to cooperate on investment activities in the energy sector and operation of the energy systems of both countries, in particular, taking into account Ukraine’s experience in using alternative nuclear fuel at nuclear power plants.

As reported by Ukrinform, Kyiv and Bratislava agreed to hold talks on agricultural trade with the participation of agricultural associations.

Pro-Russian PM performs surprising U-turn, condemns Russian aggression

Earlier this week on 12 April 2024, Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico condemned the Kremlin’s aggression against Ukraine at a joint press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart Denys Shmyhal, during which both countries agreed to increasing cooperation in several sectors such as energy, infrastructure, transport links and defense.

“Russia’s use of military force in Ukraine was a flagrant violation of international law,” the Slovak prime minister said during the joint press conference, adding that Ukraine needs help and solidarity. “We are here to help,” Fico told Shmyhal.

In addition, he pledged Slovakia’s support for Ukraine and its EU accession, emphasizing that his government does not ”intend to put any obstacles in its way” while acknowledging Ukraine’s difficult position.

“Our petty battles look ridiculous compared to what you are waging. People sometimes do not realize the difficulties you are facing,” he said, despite refusing to send arms to Ukraine and claiming there was ”no war in Kyiv” in January.

Although Fico treats his domestic audience to a pro-Russian rhetoric, it so far appears in stark contrast to his actions with foreign partners. In another example, Fico pledged support for the €50-billion funding package that Viktor Orban, his Hungarian ally, had been blocking.

He also promised to allow weapons from Slovak companies to continue flowing, despite an election pledge that “not one bullet” would cross the border, and even quietly agreed to collaborate on arms production with Ukraine.

Read more:

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• Ukraine’s state company opened 58 new gas wells in 2023, making Ukraine independent from gas imports
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• US, EU support Ukraine’s energy security, condemn Russia’s weaponization of energy
• PM Smyhal: Slovakia to support EUR 50 billion Ukraine Facility vetoed by Hungary
• Slovakia quietly bolsters Ukraine’s defenses despite political rhetoric