The largest amount of greenhouse gas emissions in Slovakia come from the burning and transformation of fossil fuels, which make up 75-80% of the total.
As for renewable energy sources, Slovakia has set itself the target of using them for 6% of total energy consumption by 2010 and 14% by 2020. At present, hydro energy is the only renewable source with a significant share of total consumption.
Although Slovakia almost always supports common climate and energy policies at EU meetings and plays a constructive role, it lacks a comprehensive approach to the implementation of the EU's legislative package on climate and energy at national level.
There has not been any significant discussion of climate change within the Europe 2020 framework other than comments by outgoing Prime Minister Robert Fico, who declared the targets in general as illusionary. Reducing poverty and spending on research and development (R&D) were more controversial issues.
Currently, there are some partial targets in place – such as reducing CO2 emissions by 8% from 2008 to 2012, as defined by the Kyoto Protocol. Also, by the end of June 2010, each EU member state had to deliver its 'National Action Plan for Renewables' to the European Commission. In its document, Slovakia confirms the target of producing 14% of its energy from renewables, mainly from biomass and biogas. This is described as the most cost-effective way of reaching the CO2 reduction targets by 2020.
New government, but comprehensive climate strategy still missing
The governmental situation has been complicated by fighting between civil servants over competencies, a well-informed source close to the incoming government of Prime Minister Iveta Radičová told EurActiv.sk.
During Robert Fico's 2006-2010 government, energy and climate policy were on the agendas of both the finance and environment ministries.
The policymaking culture in Slovakia is based on the clear definition of competencies, which has been missing in this case. Moreover, the decision to dissolve the Environment Ministry at the end of Fico's term – in order to make savings – sent a signal that the environment is not among Slovakia's top priorities.
The new government of Radičová, however, has decided to keep the Environment Ministry in place. The same source confirmed that it is not yet clear which ministry will coordinate implementation of the EU's climate and energy package and other EU legislation affecting climate change, emissions and related energy issues.
There are currently two possible options – the Finance Ministry or the Economy Ministry. The Environment is expected to serve as an expert consultant on the environmental aspects of these policies.
As for the content of programmatic theses by the future Slovak government, the aim of defining a comprehensive green policy framework is set to be absent in 2010–2014. Words such as ''climate'' or ''emissions'' have not been used. The term "CO2" is mentioned just once, in conjunction with an effort to make "distribution of allowances transparent in the public interest".
In the environmental field, the new government is expected to deal mainly with domestic green issues – particularly those that have attracted negative public opinion in the past. For example, the new prime minister wants to stop construction of an oil pipeline via 'Žitný ostrov', the largest reservoir of drinking water in Slovakia.
The new government is also expected to cancel a ban on bike riding on forest roads.
The fact that green issues are of low priority is also illustrated by the fact that in the new government's programme, only defence policy has been given less space.
Public opinion on climate change
The attitude of Slovak citizens towards climate change issues is similar to those across the whole EU. According to a Eurobarometer on European attitudes towards climate change, 41% of Slovaks think that climate change is the most serious problem the world is currently facing. When asked how serious the issue of climate change is at the moment, 66% of respondents believe that it is very serious and 76% do not believe that it has been exaggerated.
When asked who is not doing enough to fight climate change, 59% blamed the national government. However, when asked how much more would they be prepared to pay for energy that emits less greenhouse gases, 24% would not be willing to pay more at all, 28% would pay 1-5% more and 30% said they did not know.
Slovakia in Copenhagen
The Slovak position at the Copenhagen summit on climate change in December 2009 was in line with the official position of the EU. As part of the Union, Slovakia has offered a reduction target of 30% in the event that other developed and developing countries also participate in global cuts.
If other countries are not willing to participate, Slovakia has set itself the target of a 20% reduction by 2020, compared to 1990 levels. As for providing financial assistance for developing countries to counter climate change as part of so-called 'fast-start financing', Slovakia will contribute €9 million.
During the negotiations in Copenhagen, a key priority for Slovakia was achieving a legally-binding outcome that guarantees environmental integrity, fairness and a chance to achieve a global target on CO2.
2009 emissions trading scandal
In 2009, Slovakia experienced an emissions trading scandal: not only did the country sell its emissions at a price well below the average at the time, but the actual existence of the company to which Slovakia sold its emissions, InterBlue Group, was called into question.
According to the data available, Slovakia lost approximately €75 million by selling its emissions under the conditions of the contract signed with InterBlue. The case was investigated intensively by Slovak journalists, leading to damning findings and the removal of two environment ministers.
