President: Slovakia’s EU Membership Holds Greater Significance in Today’s Changing World

Bratislava – We are currently witnessing unprecedented changes in the world, unlike anything we’ve experienced in decades. This was highlighted by Peter Pellegrini, the President of the Slovak Republic, during the celebrations marking the 21st anniversary of Slovakia’s entry into the European Union. He pointed out that several of the Union’s economic and ecological initiatives have proven overly ambitious, as reported by TASR.

“We are living in an era where long-standing rules are being reshaped daily, with the principle of the strong re-emerging and international law becoming less prominent. In these challenging times, smaller states like Slovakia, which are economically and security vulnerable, must rely on their partners and allies. Without their support, we risk becoming subject to those who disregard any established norms,” the president emphasized, underscoring the critical importance of EU membership from this viewpoint.

Pellegrini also acknowledged the flaws within the EU, stating, “The Union is not without its criticisms. We can point to excessive bureaucracy that tackles unnecessary issues, along with several key economic and environmental initiatives that are overly ambitious and nearly impossible to achieve without global cooperation.” According to him, the EU has often struggled to uphold the foundational values that undergird European unity—peace, unhindered economic collaboration, and border security.

However, Pellegrini remains optimistic about Slovakia’s future within the EU, believing that collective efforts can lead to meaningful improvements. “Despite its shortcomings, the European Union represents our core values, our civilizational identity, and increasingly, our security framework. It serves as a vital anchor for us. We seek to engage as a fully-fledged and responsible partner at the common table, committed to enhancing European affairs,” he added. The president urged a focus on shared values that unite us with our European allies rather than allowing divisive issues to prevail. (May 1)

“We are living in an era where long-standing rules are being reshaped daily, with the principle of the strong re-emerging and international law becoming less prominent. In these challenging times, smaller states like Slovakia, which are economically and security vulnerable, must rely on their partners and allies. Without their support, we risk becoming subject to those who disregard any established norms.” Peter Pellegrini