Bratislava – On Wednesday in Paris, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico expressed strong opposition to what he termed “war meetings,” in reference to an informal European summit on Ukraine and European security. He noted that a similar gathering took place earlier on February 17. Fico stated that Slovakia should not be present at such gatherings and also communicated his views to President of the European Council António Costa via phone, as reported by TASR.
“These informal ‘war meetings’ in Paris stem from unnecessary anxiety that the EU has created for itself. We become uneasy when the American Vice President speaks candidly in Munich, and when the USA and Russia exclude us from discussions about peace in Ukraine,” Fico remarked in a video posted on social media.
He proposed the organization of a formal summit involving all EU member states to openly discuss the current situation. “The geopolitical landscape in February 2025 is markedly different from that of December 2024. We must either acknowledge and respond to this change or continue to lament and create more issues,” he concluded.
Fico emphasized that the West has supported the conflict for three years, and now, as a new American administration seeks peace, Europe appears to be positioning itself as a mediator while obstructing negotiations between the USA and Russia. “We must take responsibility for the past three years and pave the way for genuine negotiations between the USA and Russia,” he added.
He acknowledged that outcomes from negotiations between the USA and Russia may not necessarily yield a fair resolution for Ukraine, which he believes is quite likely due to the West’s handling of the war. “However, if peace is achieved and unnecessary violence ceases, the EU should embrace such an agreement constructively, rather than criticize it, and work to improve it for Ukraine’s benefit, with full involvement from Ukraine,” Fico stated. He called for the EU to begin formulating its own foreign policy and establishing a new framework for relations with the USA.
Fico reaffirmed his commitment to an independent Slovak foreign policy that prioritizes peace, adherence to international law, non-interference in the internal matters of other nations, and balanced relations in all directions.
“I view EU membership as essential, and I will actively engage in all discussions aimed at reshaping the EU. Furthermore, I will leverage Slovakia’s potential to negotiate across all fronts. That’s why I am traveling to the USA on February 20 for a working visit, where the agenda of peace negotiations will be of utmost importance,” he remarked. (February 19)
“These informal ‘war meetings’ in Paris stem from unnecessary anxiety that the EU has created for itself. We become uneasy when the American Vice President speaks candidly in Munich, and when the USA and Russia exclude us from discussions about peace in Ukraine.” Robert Fico
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