Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico will discuss the end of Russian gas transit through Ukraine with representatives of the European Commission on Jan. 9 in Brussels, Slovakia's government office said on Tuesday.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is set to meet with the European Commission in Brussels to discuss the cessation of Russian gas transit through Ukraine. The stoppage, which began on January 1, poses significant economic challenges for Slovakia,

Despite EU efforts to reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels, Slovakia remains reliant on Russian gas under a long-term contract with Russia's state-owned energy giant Gazprom. Switching to alternative supply routes could cost Slovakia an additional €220 million ($229 million) in transit fees.