Bratislava – Slovakia supports Ukraine’s bid for European Union membership, but only if Kyiv meets the conditions required of all candidate countries, Prime Minister Robert Fico declared on Wednesday. The statement, made after a cabinet session, signals a conditional willingness to engage with Ukraine’s European aspirations, while also expressing concerns about perceived preferential treatment in the accession process.
“I do not know whether Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy realises that for Ukraine to join the EU he will need the vote of all member states,” Fico stated, according to reports. He reiterated his desire for Ukraine to have a European future, adding, “If Ukraine fulfils the conditions it is required to meet, we are ready to support it and perhaps even share our experience with them.”
The Slovak Prime Minister’s comments come amidst a broader debate within the EU regarding the pace and conditions of Ukraine’s accession. Fico voiced strong criticism of what he described as attempts to circumvent established accession procedures, referencing the cases of Serbia and Montenegro. “Suddenly you do not have to prepare for several years like Serbia and Montenegro,” he said. “Serbia is being misled from morning to evening. What should Albania and Montenegro say, as they’re undertaking difficult reforms to join the EU?”
Fico’s stance reflects a growing skepticism among some EU member states regarding the speed at which Ukraine is being considered for membership. The concerns center on the potential for lowering standards or creating exceptions that could undermine the integrity of the accession process. This sentiment is particularly strong in countries that have themselves been navigating the lengthy and often arduous path towards EU membership.
Beyond procedural concerns, Fico also raised questions about Ukraine’s internal governance, characterizing the country as corrupt and alleging disrespectful behavior towards EU member states. “And we are expected to raise our hands to vote yea like sheep,” he remarked, highlighting a perceived pressure to support Ukraine’s bid without sufficient scrutiny.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Slovakia would insist on the full fulfillment of accession conditions if a vote on Ukraine’s EU membership were held in the current circumstances. “If a vote on Ukraine’s EU accession were held at present and President Zelenskyy’s current conduct continued, Slovakia would insist on the full meeting of accession conditions,” he stated.
Fico’s position is not entirely a rejection of Ukraine’s European ambitions, but rather a firm insistence on adherence to established protocols and a demand for demonstrable progress on issues of corruption and governance. This approach aligns with a broader trend within the EU of balancing support for Ukraine with concerns about maintaining the credibility and effectiveness of the accession process.
The timing of Fico’s statement is significant, occurring against a backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tensions and a renewed focus on EU enlargement. Ukraine formally applied for EU membership in February 2022, shortly after the start of the full-scale Russian invasion. The EU granted Ukraine candidate status in June 2022, but the path to full membership remains long and uncertain.
The conditional support expressed by Slovakia underscores the complex dynamics at play within the EU as it considers Ukraine’s future. While there is widespread sympathy for Ukraine and a desire to support its sovereignty and territorial integrity, You’ll see also legitimate concerns about the practical challenges of integrating a country of Ukraine’s size and complexity into the European Union.
Fico’s comments come after a recent dispute between Slovakia and Ukraine over oil pipeline transit, where Slovakia halted emergency power supplies to Ukraine. While Fico did not directly link this dispute to his stance on EU membership, it highlights the existing tensions and potential obstacles in the bilateral relationship.
The situation is further complicated by the political landscape within Slovakia itself. Fico, representing the Smer-SD party, returned to power in late 2023 after a period of political instability. His government has signaled a more cautious approach to foreign policy, prioritizing national interests and advocating for a more pragmatic engagement with international partners.
The coming months will be crucial in determining the trajectory of Ukraine’s EU accession process. The European Commission is expected to assess Ukraine’s progress on key reforms and provide recommendations to member states. The ultimate decision on whether to proceed with accession negotiations will require unanimous support from all EU member states, including Slovakia.
Fico’s statement serves as a clear signal that Slovakia will not hesitate to assert its national interests and demand strict adherence to established procedures. It also underscores the importance of addressing concerns about corruption and governance in Ukraine if the country hopes to secure the necessary support for EU membership.