Paris/Bratislava – On Thursday, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) held a nearly two-hour confidential meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. The discussions focused on nuclear energy, defense, the EU’s competitiveness, and the situation in Ukraine, as reported by TASR.
Fico highlighted the demonstration of the close ties between France and Slovakia, rooted in their strategic partnership agreement. He mentioned plans to engage with top representatives from Électricité de France (EDF) and Framatome regarding nuclear energy collaboration. Additionally, he will participate in a nuclear summit in Paris in March.
The leaders also engaged in discussions about defense, with Fico noting the importance of a stronger, more independent EU and opportunities arising from France’s advanced arms industry alongside Slovakia’s emerging arms sector.
Competitiveness was a key topic on the European agenda, where Fico urged Macron to consider initiatives aimed at lowering electricity prices that Slovakia and other member states will propose during the informal European Council meeting in February. They also touched upon the EU’s enlargement, specifically regarding the Western Balkans, with Fico expressing concerns about perceived unfair treatment of Serbia.
Regarding the war in Ukraine, Fico acknowledged differing perspectives between him and Macron. He shared his insights on the conflict’s future and the humanitarian aid Slovakia is providing to Ukraine.
Fico also discussed the priorities for the upcoming Slovak presidency of the Visegrad Four (V4) and the potential for a meeting between V4 prime ministers and Macron in the latter half of 2026.
Macron later commented on the encounter with Fico on the social network X, referring to a “strategic awakening.” He emphasized the meeting’s goal of fostering unity and solidarity for enhanced European independence, stating, “Our European and bilateral agenda must enable us to accelerate progress in what is essential – in the fields of energy, competitiveness, defense, and the protection of our democracies, based on the values of the European Union.” (29 January)
“We also paid attention to the opportunities created by the advanced arms industry in France and the dynamically developing Slovak arms industry.” Robert Fico
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