MOSCOW, October 26. /TASS/. Europe needs to keep open channels of communication with major energy producers, Slovak Parliament Deputy Speaker Tibor Gaspar said in an interview with TASS.

"Slovakia’s interests lie in ensuring sufficient energy supplies, maintaining the competitiveness of its industry, and protecting households from excessive price increases. Therefore, when making decisions in the energy sector, it is important to consider not only political goals but also real economic consequences for the population, as well as technical capabilities of individual states. In the long term, it is in the interest of both Slovakia and Europe to maintain open channels of communication with major energy producers and to seek solutions that help strengthen energy security, price stability, and the predictability of supplies," he said when asked whether Europe still needs Russian energy resources.

The current situation in energy markets demonstrates that energy security, the availability of raw materials, and price stability remain critical issues for all leading global economies, Gaspar noted. "According to reports from October 2026, US President Donald Trump reached an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to ease restrictions, allowing for the supply of Russian diesel fuel to the American and global markets. Subsequently, American administration granted the necessary authorization for conducting such operations. The agreement drew criticism from a number of European officials pointing to its potential implications for the effectiveness of the sanctions policy," he stated.

"This situation indicates that certain states may prioritize different instruments and interests when addressing energy and economic issues. For countries with high energy consumption, it is essential to ensure stable supplies at economically acceptable prices, whereas the sanctions policy also pursues broader foreign policy goals and security objectives. For the Slovak Republic, this issue is of particular significance, given its geographical location, energy infrastructure, and long-standing historical relationships with energy suppliers," the politician emphasized.