Bratislava – On Sunday, Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) announced plans for the government to create a development vision for the country by 2040. He indicated that he will propose a dedicated section on peace in the forthcoming conclusions of the EU Council on foreign policy (FAC). EU foreign ministers are scheduled to meet in Luxembourg on June 23, with Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár representing Slovakia, according to TASR.
During the press conference, Fico explained his intention to enlist experts from the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAV) and universities to help formulate this vision. He also plans to include input from employers and seasoned diplomats, believing that such a vision would benefit the nation. He expressed hope that future governments will uphold this vision.
Fico mentioned that the document would address foreign policy developments and should evaluate how effectively it aligns with the vision he established in 2008 for the period up to 2030. He stressed that the document should be crafted by “educated individuals in SAV, at universities, and among employers,” rather than bureaucrats.
“If we indicate that tourism should contribute a certain share to GDP, that should be adhered to, and any succeeding government—whether right, left, liberal, or otherwise—should honor this,” the Prime Minister remarked.
Additionally, Fico stated that the Slovak government will suggest including a special section on peace in the upcoming EU Council conclusions regarding foreign affairs.
“I urge the EU Council to focus significantly more on peace, diplomacy, and initiatives to resolve both conflicts next week,” he expressed, referring to Russia’s war against Ukraine and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. He asserted that this approach is preferable to “stoking the fire,” which he believes is currently evident, particularly regarding the Ukraine war, noting that the Union appears ineffective.
“If the EU invested all its resources in peace negotiations and diplomacy, we could see outcomes. We are not making progress,” he added, also referencing a manifesto by former leading figures of the German Social Democrats (SPD), who called on the German government to negotiate with Russia and criticized increased defense expenditures. (June 15)
“If the EU put all its potential into peace negotiations and diplomacy, then results could come. We are not moving anywhere.” Robert Fico
Leave a Reply