Fico Warns that Union Developments May Threaten Its Unity, Suggests Veto on EU Aid to Ukraine

Bratislava – Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) acknowledged on social media that while the European Union and NATO are integral to Slovakia’s existence, criticism of their operations and direction is valid. This statement was made in defense of Deputy Speaker of the National Council, Tibor Gašpar, during a video posted on Saturday evening, as reported by TASR.

Fico asserted that Gašpar “accurately portrayed the current state of the European Union” and emphasized the need for Slovakia to brace itself for various potential developments.

He pointed out that some European leaders are contemplating the establishment of a superstate in response to the diminishing competitiveness of the EU, which would significantly undermine the sovereignty of individual nations. Fico cautioned that such trends could ultimately lead to the disintegration of the Union.

“Much like the rapid collapse of the Warsaw Pact, the EU and NATO could also find themselves relegated to history, and any lamenting from Slovakia will be of no consequence,” Fico remarked.

The Prime Minister also addressed a recent visit by representatives of the opposition party PS to Kiev, where they met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Fico expressed doubt that Zelenskyy would support their claims regarding the negotiation of gas transit from Ukraine to Slovakia, particularly given his refusal to meet during the upcoming economic forum in Davos.

He posited that Zelenskyy might generally be aiming to obstruct gas transit from east to west, linking this to an attack on the TurkStream pipeline. During his upcoming visit to Turkey on January 20, Fico plans to discuss the protection of the southern section of the pipeline with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and will also engage with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who is set to arrive in Slovakia on January 21.

“I believe that President Zelenskyy is increasingly compelling us to take reciprocal actions, and we will respond accordingly,” he stated, indicating a potential veto on future European financial assistance to Ukraine is on the table. (January 19)

“Much like the rapid collapse of the Warsaw Pact, the EU and NATO could also find themselves relegated to history, and any lamenting from Slovakia will be of no consequence.” Robert Fico.