Opposition PS: Slovakia is Straining Relations with EU Partners Critical to Its Security

Bratislava – Slovakia is jeopardizing its relationships with European allies essential for its security and prosperity. This assertion was made by Michal Šimečka, the chairman of the opposition Progressive Slovakia (PS) party, during a press conference on Tuesday, where he condemned Prime Minister Robert Fico’s (Smer-SD) reaction to comments made by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, as reported by TASR.

“Germany is our key partner, and the remarks from the German chancellor serve as a clear indication of what we in PS have long asserted: Fico’s policies have led us into complete isolation, our partners are confused by us and lack trust, and they view us alongside Hungary as a problematic nation,” Šimečka stated.

He emphasized that European partnerships are vital for Slovakia’s security and sovereignty, noting that prominent Western European leaders are reluctant to engage with Fico. “Having an opinion is one thing, but persuading European partners and advocating for Slovakia is another; he can express any viewpoint, but other partners will respond accordingly, negatively impacting foreign policy, the economy, and Slovakia’s interests,” Šimečka highlighted.

Ivan Korčok, a member of the PS presidium and former foreign minister, expressed concern over the seriousness of the German chancellor’s statements, which could result in significant harm.

“A major investor, a trading partner, a critical EU country does not trust us. This distrust arises from the actions of the current government and the prime minister’s tendency to shift focus from Europe to Moscow,” Korčok stated, adding that under the current administration and foreign policy, Slovakia would struggle to maintain its EU membership.

Beáta Jurík (PS), vice-chairwoman of the National Council of the Slovak Republic Committee for European Affairs, criticized Fico’s position on sanctions against Russia. She argued that previous sanction packages had not adversely affected the Slovak economy, but the last, the seventeenth, lacked a thorough analysis. Therefore, she has called for Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár to clarify the government’s position on the upcoming eighteenth package, which Slovakia reportedly plans to veto alongside Hungary. Blanár is scheduled to address the parliamentary committee for European affairs on Wednesday (May 28) morning.

During a visit to Armenia on Tuesday, Fico strongly opposed Chancellor Merz’s remarks, wherein Merz suggested that Germany might propose in Brussels to withdraw EU funds from Slovakia if the country continues to stray from the Union’s common path. (May 27)

“Germany is our most important partner, and when such words are spoken by the German chancellor, it is a clear signal of what we in PS have been saying for a long time, that Fico’s politics have brought us into absolute isolation, our partners do not understand us and do not trust us, and they perceive us along with Hungary as a problematic state.” Michal Šimečka.