Fico: EU Officials’ Involvement in Paris Summit Erodes Trust Within the Union

Bratislava – On Monday, Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico engaged in a phone conversation with António Costa, President of the European Council, seeking information regarding the ongoing meeting of EU leaders and various European nations in Paris. This meeting, taking place in the French capital, is centered around discussions about US President Donald Trump’s proposal for concluding the war in Ukraine, as reported by TASR based on a statement from the Slovak Government’s Press Department.

The informal extraordinary meeting was organized by French President Emmanuel Macron, inviting only select European countries. Expected attendees include leaders from Germany, Britain, Italy, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, Denmark, and representatives from the Baltic and Scandinavian nations. Additionally, Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will also be present at the discussions.

During the call, Fico inquired of Costa about the rationale behind his attendance as a senior EU representative at this meeting, which aims to discuss the presence of foreign troops in Ukraine as a security measure for the country post-war and its stance on NATO membership. Fico criticized the participation of top EU officials in such discussions without a mandate, arguing that it undermines trust among EU member states.

Fico asserted that the EU lacks the authority to decide on the presence of foreign troops within another nation and that any such decision should be made through relevant UN bodies or bilateral agreements between Ukraine and those willing to send troops. While he acknowledged the right of states to meet and discuss military involvement in Ukraine, he insisted that this matter lies outside EU jurisdiction.

Furthermore, Fico reiterated his opposition to Ukraine joining NATO and affirmed that Slovakia will not deploy armed forces to Ukrainian territory. He stressed his long-standing stance against the continuation of the conflict, reminding that he has previously stated that Ukraine will inevitably lose part of its territory, will not gain NATO membership, will be under the control of foreign armies, and will face hurdles in its EU accession, which Slovakia “unconditionally supports.” (February 17)

“(Costa) respects without any reservations the meeting of states willing to send troops to Ukraine. However, this is a topic with which the EU has nothing to do and should not be associated with.” ** Robert Fico