Slovakia's push to secure long-term gas supplies from Azerbaijan is not just another bilateral energy negotiation. It reflects a larger structural shift in Europe's gas market.

The forced unwinding of dependence on Russian fossil fuels, the scramble for alternative suppliers, and the emerging competition among Central European states for whatever reliable non-Russian volumes remain available.

As European governments seek reliable long-term alternatives, Azerbaijan has emerged as one of the few producers capable of offering both additional supply and geopolitical stability.

The latest indication of this shift came during Slovak President Peter Pellegrini's official visit to Azerbaijan, where Economy Minister Denisa Saková confirmed that Bratislava is negotiating a long-term natural gas supply agreement with Azerbaijan's state-owned energy company SOCAR.

Under the EU's roadmap, imports of Russian pipeline gas must cease by 30 September 2027, while Russian LNG imports are scheduled to end on 1 January 2027. For Slovakia, whose energy system has historically depended on Russian supplies, securing replacement volumes has become a strategic priority.

Speaking after meetings in Shusha, Saková said Slovakia is discussing a contract that could provide approximately 1.2 billion cubic meters (bcm) of Azerbaijani gas annually after 2027.

The negotiations illustrate a broader trend across Europe: governments are........

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