Slovak PM Criticizes New EU Leadership on Ukraine Support

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has openly criticized the European Union’s new foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, and European Council President António Costa for expressing the bloc’s support for Ukraine during their recent visit to Kyiv. In a phone conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Fico reportedly raised concerns over their statements.

“Neither members of the European Commission nor the president of the European Council can make declarations on behalf of the EU that have not been collectively agreed upon,” Fico asserted during a press briefing about his discussion with von der Leyen. He added that the remarks made by Kallas, Costa, and Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos over the weekend “did not align with the conclusions of the European Union.”

The critical remarks from Fico took aim at the visit by Kallas, Costa, and Kos to Kyiv, where they reaffirmed EU solidarity with Ukraine amidst the ongoing war with Russia. Their trip marked the start of their mandates in their new roles, having recently been confirmed by the European Parliament. Since February 2022, Ukraine has been defending itself against a large-scale Russian invasion.

This is not the first time Fico has targeted Kallas. On November 30, he shared a video on social media accusing the former Estonian prime minister of showing “a clear alignment with the United States and an open hatred of the Russian Federation.”

Additionally, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from Fico’s left-populist Smer-SD party recently voted against the new European Commission. This decision puzzled observers because it included opposing Maroš Šefčovič, a Slovak commissioner long supported by Smer and also nominated by the party.

Fico further told von der Leyen that he differed with the European Commission on key issues like military assistance to Ukraine. He made it clear that he would not change his stance. Since taking office, the Slovak prime minister has upheld his earlier decision to halt the delivery of military aid to Ukraine, reiterating his government’s opposition to further involvement in the conflict.