Slovakia will not block 50 billion euros from EU to Ukraine
Denys Shmyhal and Robert Fico (t.me/Denys_Smyhal)
Slovakia will not block the allocation of 50 billion euros to Ukraine from the EU. This agreement was reached, among others, by the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal, and his Slovak counterpart, Robert Fico, following their meeting in Uzhhorod, according to the Ukraine's PM.
"We have just concluded a meeting with the Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico. We have reached agreements on a number of issues and have specific arrangements," said Shmyhal.
Key agreements:
- Slovakia will support the Ukraine Facility program, which involves the allocation of 50 billion euros to Ukraine from the European Union.
- The Slovak government will not obstruct Ukraine's purchase of weapons and equipment from Slovak businesses.
- Collaboration on the supply of technology by a Slovak company for the construction of defensive fortifications.
- Full support for Ukraine's Eurointegration aspirations from Slovakia.
Additionally, according to the head of the Ukrainian government, Ukraine and Slovakia will continue fruitful cooperation for the security and prosperity of both countries.
"We are grateful to the Slovak people who are assisting Ukraine and Ukrainians in these challenging times," Shmyhal said.
Joint statement
Following the meeting, the prime ministers signed a joint statement aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Ukraine and Slovakia "based on mutual trust and respect."
This statement:
- Confirms readiness for further cooperation, focused on respecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
- Acknowledges Slovakia's firm and consistent support for Ukraine's European integration.
- Expresses support for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Peace Formula.
- Emphasizes the importance of Slovakia's participation in the recovery of Ukraine and the appointment of a deputy prime minister for the restoration, stability, and knowledge economy of the Slovak Republic.
- Confirms the importance of Slovakia's participation in humanitarian demining in Ukraine.
- Highlights the importance of joint efforts to ensure global food security and enhance the transit potential for the export of Ukrainian agricultural products.
- Emphasizes the importance of developing military-technical cooperation on a commercial basis.
Shmyhal-Fico meeting
On January 24th in Uzhhorod, a meeting between the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal, and the Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico, took place in Uzhhorod. During the meeting, it was revealed that the Ukrainian government intends to formulate a policy of "new pragmatism" with the Slovak government, aimed at benefiting both nations.
€50 billion for Ukraine from the EU
In June 2023, the European Commission proposed creating a special mechanism for Ukraine, providing grants and loans amounting to €50 billion until 2027. This mechanism is intended to replace the current EU support to Ukraine through the Macro-Financial Assistance Program, which expired at the end of 2023.
According to the Financial Times, Ukraine may ultimately not receive the €50 billion from the European Union due to several divergences within the EU. More details can be found in the RBC-Ukraine coverage.
