Fico: Slovakia unconditionally supports Ukraine’s entry into the European Union

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Bratislava/Uzhhorod – Slovakia unconditionally supports Ukraine’s entry into the European Union. It will not set any obstacles in its integration process. This was stated by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) in a speech before the start of the joint Ukrainian-Slovak government meeting in Uzhhorod. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal clarified that he appreciates the support and readiness of Slovakia to provide assistance and share experiences with Ukraine in its entry into the Union, reports TASR.

 “We know how beneficial it will be not only for us, but also for you, if we have another neighbor as an EU member state. We need to have you there also because sometimes countries with a different history, different language have to unite in the EU to create a counterbalance to proposals that are not always beneficial for the whole Union,” said Fico. He warned that in the EU there will be countries that will “look at it in various ways, to ensure that the process of Ukraine’s accession is not too fast.” According to Fico, Slovakia offers Ukraine specific expertise and exchange of experiences from the integration process.

According to Fico, Slovakia will participate in all peace conferences that aim to end the war between Ukraine and Russia. Peace must be quality, fair, sustainable for Ukraine, Ukraine must have security guarantees, and its sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected. “Here, probably, no military solution exists that would satisfy one side or the other,” Fico said.

The Prime Minister pointed out that the development of border regions has positive effects on both sides of the border and is crucial for the overall development of relations between countries. “In this spirit, we also perceive the renewal and reconstruction of Ukraine,” he noted. According to him, Slovakia is strongly interested in participating in its reconstruction. However, the topic will not be opened only for the economic interests of the Slovak Republic. “We are opening this topic because we believe we can be helpful in certain areas. If such an opportunity arises, we will seize it in this way,” he noted. Shmyhal appreciated the approval of the framework program for Slovakia’s participation in the reconstruction of Ukraine by the Slovak government.

According to Fico, Slovakia is also preparing another package of humanitarian aid and the 14th package of military aid focusing on non-lethal assistance. Emergency electricity supplies will also continue. For the next EU summit, Fico wants to propose a systematic solution regarding energy aid. “This needs to be transferred to the EU level so that it is not only the responsibility of Slovakia and Ukraine. We have a single energy market, and we need it to function in relation to Ukraine as well.” (October 7)

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