Slovenia nominee: NATO ally but heavily dependent on Russian gas; U.S. cooperation aims to reduce dependence

Slovenia's nominee told senators that while the country's heart is in the West and it remains a strong NATO ally, it maintains active economic ties with Russia and depends on Russian natural gas for nearly all its supply.

Asked by Senator Mitt Romney how Slovenia views Russian objectives in the Balkans, the nominee said Slovenia is very aware of issues regarding destabilization and pointed to practical vulnerabilities: by virtue of geology and existing infrastructure, Russia provides virtually all of Slovenia's natural gas.

The nominee outlined steps being taken to reduce dependence, including a U.S.-Slovenia memorandum of understanding on civil nuclear cooperation to support safe nuclear energy and participation in a 3 C's initiative to develop North'0South infrastructure that could compete with Soviet-era East'0West lines.

Why it matters: Energy dependence on Russia is a strategic concern across Europe; Slovenia's reliance on a single supplier shapes its foreign policy choices and U.S. engagement priorities.

The exchange did not include any formal commitments or votes; the nominee said, if confirmed, they would continue work to strengthen Slovenia's independence from Russian influence.