Slovakia has officially declared a state of emergency following Ukraine's decision to block the transit of Russian oil supplies critical for the country's energy needs. This declaration comes as a direct response to Ukraine's refusal to allow the flow of oil through the Druzhba pipeline, which is pivotal for supply routes for several European countries. The emergency will remain effective through September 30, reflecting the urgency and seriousness of the situation as Slovakia grapples with potential energy shortages.

In light of the crisis, the Slovak government has announced measures to secure the country's energy supply, including the release of strategic oil reserves that will allow Bratislava's only refinery to operate for up to a month. This step is essential to maintain the functioning of local industries reliant on oil refining, emphasizing the intertwined nature of energy security and economic stability in the region. Additionally, the government plans to import oil through an alternative route via Croatia’s Adria pipeline, although it acknowledges that this supply shift could take approximately 30 days for oil shipments to arrive.

Slovak authorities, including Economy Minister Denisa Sakova, are also coordinating with neighboring countries like the Czech Republic to explore other means of oil supply to prevent shortages. The unfolding situation highlights the growing tension in energy relations in Europe, especially with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its ripple effects across EU member states. The actions taken by Slovakia could set a precedent for how other nations handle similar crises in the context of geopolitical tensions and energy dependencies.