Slovakia unconditionally supports Ukraine’s accession to the European Union and will provide it with all possible assistance. This was announced today, October 7, by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico during negotiations between the governments of the two countries near Uzhgorod.
“We know how useful it will be not only for us, but also for you, if we have another neighbor, an EU Member State. We also need you there, because sometimes countries with a different history, a different language have to unite in the EU and must create a counterweight to proposals that are not always beneficial for the entire Union.” – Fico said.
At the same time, he noted that there are EU countries that “will take all possible measures to ensure that Ukraine’s accession process is not too fast.” According to Fico, Slovakia offers Ukraine specialized knowledge and exchange of experience in the integration process.
Fico also noted that Slovakia will participate in all peace conferences that should end the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. He believes that peace for Ukraine must be “of high quality, fair and sustainable”, the country itself “must have security guarantees” and its “sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected”.
“There is probably no military solution here that will satisfy one side or the other,” – Fico pointed out.
At the same time, the Prime Minister of Slovakia noted that the development of border regions has a positive effect on both sides of the border and is the key to the overall development of relations between the countries.
“In this spirit we also perceive the renewal and reconstruction of Ukraine.” – said.
According to Fico, Bratislava is very interested in participating in its reconstruction, not only for the sake of Slovakia’s economic interests, but also “because we believe that we can be useful in certain areas.”
In addition, the Slovak Prime Minister said that his country is preparing another package of humanitarian assistance to kyiv and “a fourteenth package of military assistance with an emphasis on non-lethal assistance.” He also recalled that the emergency supply of electricity to Ukraine continues. In this sense, he indicated that he plans to attend the next EU summit to propose a systemic solution to the problem of energy assistance.
“This must also be transferred to the EU level, so that it is not solely the responsibility of Slovakia and Ukraine. “We have a single energy market and we need it to work for Ukraine too.” – said.
For his part, the head of the Ukrainian Government present at the meeting Denis Shmygal He highly appreciated the approval by the Slovak government of the framework program for Slovakia’s participation in the reconstruction of Ukraine. He also said the negotiations would include a “peace plan.” Vladimir Zelensky. In his words, “the meeting with the government of Slovakia will be effective, will bring results, maintain relations and guarantee peace and stability.”
Recall that before the Fico government came to power in the fall of 2023, Slovakia actively helped Ukraine, including by supplying weapons to kyiv. The new cabinet of ministers stopped military supplies, but did not prohibit non-state companies from doing so. At the same time, Bratislava did not reject humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
