Slovakia’s PM: Russia-EU pipeline could be re-nationalised

Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico stated on September 5 that his government could re-nationalise the main Russia-EU gas pipeline from its Western shareholders. Fico came to power in 2006 on a welfare platform, which included a pledge to better protect workers and stop utility price hikes. Analysts expressed doubts whether Fico would actually go ahead with his threat but expressed surprise at his comments1.

1. 1. “Slovakia could re-nationalise Russia-EU pipeline,” Reuters, September 6, 2008, at http://asianenergy.blogspot.com/2008/09/slovakia-could-re-nationalise-russia-eu.html