Slovakia and Azerbaijan are negotiating long-term natural gas supply contracts, marking a significant step in Bratislava’s efforts to diversify its energy portfolio.

The discussions are taking place during an official visit by Slovak President Peter Pellegrini to Baku, signaling high-level political commitment to the partnership.

The move aligns with broader European strategies to reduce dependence on Russian energy.

Reports indicate that Slovakia is preparing to halt imports of Russian gas by October 2027, creating an urgent need for reliable alternative sources.

Azerbaijan, a major non-Russian gas producer, is well-positioned to fill this gap through existing infrastructure and new bilateral agreements.

This development adds to a growing trend of Central and Eastern European nations seeking to decouple from Moscow’s energy leverage.