Slovakia supports Ukraine's EU membership but not NATO: Key points from PMs' talks

This intergovernmental meeting between Slovakia and Ukraine took place almost six months after the previous one in April, which took place in the Slovak town of Michalovce. Today, Slovak officials are visiting the Verkhovyna Resort hotel complex, located about 20 kilometers from Uzhhorod.

Topics of discussion and bilateral documents

On the eve of the talks, Shmyhal said that the parties would focus on discussing the roadmap, a plan of joint activities that was signed during the first meeting.

It concerns cooperation in infrastructure projects, the economy, and energy security. Some of the steps have been completed, while others are in the final stages.

“A significant portion of Ukraine's electricity imports come from Slovakia, which has never refused to help,” Shmyhal said.

The topics included President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's peace plan to end the war, the demining of Ukrainian territories, humanitarian support, and the restoration of Ukraine.

“We continue to cooperate closely in defense procurement,” the Ukrainian prime minister said.

He raised the issue of Ukraine's membership in the EU. He says that Bratislava is ready to share its experience and provide expert assistance for Ukraine's EU integration.

“We have also agreed to finalize eight bilateral documents, including one on joint control at border crossing points. We hope to sign them by the end of this year,” Shmyhal added.

Statements

Ukrainian PM Shmyhal

During a joint press conference with Fico, the Ukrainian prime minister said that Ukraine would not extend the transit agreement with Russia after its expiration. The media reported recently that Bratislava would persuade Kyiv to extend the transit.

“The strategic goal of Ukraine is to impose sanctions on the Russian gas molecule, to deprive the Kremlin of profits from the sale of hydrocarbons, which the aggressor uses to finance the war. We call on all European countries to completely abandon oil and gas from Russia,” Shmyhal said.

According to him, Ukraine understands “the acute dependence of some countries, in particular Slovakia, on this resource.” But it expects a gradual diversification of the supplies.

Slovak PM Fico

Fico, on the other hand, said during the meeting that he was “not against” Ukraine's accession to the EU, but was “cold” about its membership in NATO. He said that “the Slovak government supports President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his peace formula.” But, he said, “Bratislava will participate in all peace conferences that should end the war.

“We know how useful it will be not only for us but also for you if we have another neighbor, an EU member state. We need you there too, because sometimes countries with a different history, a different language have to unite in the EU to create a counterweight to proposals that are not always beneficial for the whole union,” Fico said.

He promised that Slovakia would not impede Ukraine's accession to the EU and offered to share its experience in the EU integration process.

The prime minister also promised that his country would provide Ukraine with emergency electricity supplies so that “Ukraine could survive the winter with dignity.” He also supported the idea of Ukraine joining the EU's unified energy system, promising that his Slovak government was preparing a new support package that would include assistance for Ukraine's energy system.

“At the next European summit, we want to offer a systemic solution. We understand that most of your energy system has been destroyed, but we want to be sure that this will be made up for. We have a single energy market in the EU, and we need it to apply to you as well,” Fico said.

Slovak PM's harsh statements before the meeting

The visit of Slovak PM Robert Fico to Zakarpattia takes place after his rather harsh statements against Ukraine. He particularly promised to block Ukraine's accession to NATO as long as he is in office.

Fico also recently said that he would like to “restore normal relations with Russia” after the end of the full-scale war against Ukrainians.

The rhetoric of the Slovak PM is accompanied by pro-Russian narratives. He advocates “peace” negotiations with Russia, opposes the supply of weapons and ammunition to Ukraine through Slovakia, and claims that sending more and more weapons to Kyiv allegedly “only encourages more killings and endless war.”

Sources: Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal's Telegram channel, Ukrinform, Zakarpattia Online, and Slovak media.