The Czech Republic spent more than 7 billion euros on Russian oil and gas and helped Ukraine to the tune of 1.29 billion euros.
Here’s what we know
Politico, citing a report by analysts from the Center for the Study of Democracy, says that by 2024 the Czech Republic’s dependence on Russian oil will reach 50%. Analysts believe, on the contrary, that the country has the possibility of completely abandoning exports from Moscow.
They believe that this situation is possible because after Russia’s massive invasion, the EU granted the Czech Republic an exception to the ban on Russian oil deliveries.
“The Czech Republic could ensure normal supplies of non-Russian crude oil by using the free capacity of the transalpine pipeline, which delivers oil from the Italian port of Trieste, the Adria pipeline that connects Druzhba in Slovakia, and by increasing the imports of oil and petroleum products,” said Martin Vladimirov, director of energy and climate at the Center for the Study of Democracy.
“It is important to note that Russian oil is imported by a private company, Orlen Unipetrol. The government does not have direct control over the decisions of private companies,” the ministry told the publication.
However, an Orlen Unipetrol spokesperson said the company “complies with all applicable national and international laws and regulations” and operates within the sanctions exemption granted by the EU.
Source: Politician : Politician