Fico in Zagreb urged Plenković to support gas transit to the EU through Ukraine

Bratislava/Zagreb – Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) on Wednesday in Zagreb called on Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković to support the restoration of natural gas transit to the EU through Ukraine. He thanked for the opportunity to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) through terminals on the Croatian island of Krk, but currently, he believes it is a more expensive option for Slovakia, reports TASR’s special correspondent.

Fico emphasized that Slovakia has no problem covering domestic consumption, but is losing on transit fees through Slovak territory.

“The restoration of gas flow through Ukraine should be in the interest of the entire European Union, of course also Slovakia,” he specified.

According to him, the visit to Croatia confirms the excellent relations between the two countries. Fico thanked for the reception of the Slovak delegation in Zagreb and also for the Slovak tourists who come there every year for vacation.

Fico and Plenković agreed on several issues during their talks, including the need to strengthen mutual trade, cooperation in the area of illegal migration, and the need to support the position of cohesion and agricultural policy in the EU’s multiannual financial framework. The prime ministers appreciated the improvement in economic exchange between the two countries, which according to Plenković exceeds 1.5 billion euros.

Croatia is very important in protecting the Schengen border, particularly from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Fico emphasized. Therefore, he offered Plenković direct support – the provision of technical, material, and other assistance.

Both prime ministers indicated that they do not agree on all aspects, but both expressed their desire for an end to the fighting in Ukraine and peace as soon as possible. The countries also plan to cooperate in the field of culture. Plenković announced at a press conference the signing of a cooperation program between the ministries of culture for the years 2025 – 2029. The prime ministers also discussed the possible strengthening of cooperation in the defense industry.

Fico reminded that EU membership has been extremely beneficial for Slovakia, which is why the Slovak Republic is a strong advocate of enlargement and for countries that meet the criteria to be admitted to the eurozone as soon as possible.

The Slovak Prime Minister will also meet with Croatian President Zoran Milanović and the Speaker of the Parliament Gordan Jandroković in Zagreb. (April 16)

“The restoration of gas flow through Ukraine should be in the interest of the entire European Union, of course also Slovakia.” Robert Fico.