Brussels/Bratislava – Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico emphasized the importance of not overlooking the European Union while also rejecting the incompetence of its leadership ahead of the extraordinary European Council summit in Brussels on Thursday. He expressed his support for the EU and acknowledged the beneficial effects of Slovakia’s membership on the country’s development, according to TASR.
The President of the European Council, António Costa, called the summit of EU leaders for Thursday evening due to US President Donald Trump‘s threats concerning Greenland, which he seeks to acquire, and the potential tariffs on various European nations.
Fico commented that Costa organized the meeting to quell the anxiety of certain member states, labeling the summit as a “super expensive dinner” where no significant decisions are anticipated. He noted that the conclusion time of the European Council meeting remains uncertain.
In a video recorded on the government’s special aircraft, Fico reiterated his criticism of the EU leadership, mentioning his previous opposition to the nomination of former Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas for the EU foreign policy chief role, and his recent calls for her replacement. He also commended MEPs from the Smer-SD party for their vote to dismiss European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
“I support the EU and recognize the positive impact of our membership on our development. However, that does not mean I will blindly endorse Brussels, especially in light of the current anti-Slovak and pro-Brussels opposition,” Fico stated, adding, “The Union cannot be led by individuals who key global players do not engage or converse with constructively.” He highlighted US Secretary of State Marco Rubio‘s repeated refusal to meet with Kallas.
Fico asserted that the EU can only recover from its profound crisis through new leadership and innovative ideas. He pointed out three issues undermining the EU: excessive climate goals hindering competitiveness against China and the global South, the failure to manage illegal migration—with Trump’s hardline approach being a potential model—and the lack of courage to express independent views on crucial foreign policy matters.
He criticized the current EU leadership for not providing solutions to these challenges, insisting it must be replaced. “This is not a personal attack; it is political reality,” he stated, comparing the EU’s situation to a massage parlor where merely changing the environment is insufficient without a change in personnel. (22 January)
“The European Union cannot be led by people whom the key global players do not meet and do not argue with in a good way. We can only emerge from the deep crisis in which the EU finds itself with new leadership and new ideas.” Robert Fico
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