Prime Minister of Slovakia Fico said that he is in favor of Ukraine’s early membership in the EU

The Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico, said that his country wants Ukraine to join the European Union as soon as possible.

Slovakia is not a country that wants to create obstacles and wants to help Kyiv in exchange of experience in negotiations on EU accession and membership, Fico said on Thursday at a joint press conference with Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal in Slovakia after intergovernmental consultations. The words of the Slovak Prime Minister are quoted by Korzar.

Fico, among other things, noted that Slovakia’s support for Ukraine and its ambitions for EU membership is full support. Shmyhal said in response that he was grateful to Bratislava for assisting Ukraine’s efforts in European integration.

As a result of the negotiations, Fitso and Shmygal signed a road map, agreeing on issues of railway communication, cooperation in the energy sector, and modernization on the border.

The parties also discussed cooperation in the military sphere, writes Korzar. The Slovak leadership offered Kyiv assistance in demining the territory. Robert Fitso noted that this is not only about assistance with expertise, but also about supplies of equipment for demining, training and preparation of relevant personnel. Judging by the publication in a Slovak newspaper, Fico spoke about deliveries on a commercial basis.

At the same time, the publication writes that Fico called the use of Russian military force in Ukraine a gross violation of international law. He added that Ukraine needs to be helped and show solidarity.

In addition, Fico said that Slovakia will take part in the inaugural peace summit in Switzerland in mid-June, which will be dedicated to finding ways to end the war in Ukraine, European Truth reports on Thursday.

• In the autumn of 2023, Robert Fico, who once again headed the Cabinet of Ministers of Slovakia, declared that his government would not join sanctions against Russia if they harmed his country. Then Fico noted that already introduced restrictions often harm Slovaks. Fico also spoke out in favor of ending military aid to Ukraine.
• According to the results of the Slovak presidential elections held earlier this month, Fico’s ally Peter Pellegrina received support. In particular, representatives of the Hungarian minority spoke out in his favor. Pellegrina’s candidacy was supported by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who is considered a Moscow-friendly politician. During the election campaign, Pellegrin repeatedly stated that he was against military aid to Ukraine.