Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico stated on September 5 that his government could re-nationalise the main Russia-EU gas pipeline from its Western shareholders. Fico came to power in 2006 on a welfare platform, which included a pledge to better protect workers and stop utility price hikes. Analysts expressed doubts whether Fico would actually go ahead with his threat but expressed surprise at his comments1.

• 1. “Slovakia could re-nationalise Russia-EU pipeline,” Reuters, September 6, 2008, at http://asianenergy.blogspot.com/2008/09/slovakia-could-re-nationalise-ru...