Slovakia backs Ukraine’s EU aspirations, plans more joint projects

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico reaffirmed Slovakia’s support for Ukraine’s path toward European Union membership during a visit to the Deputy Prime Minister for EU Recovery Plan and Knowledge Economy Peter Kmec.

Speaking after the meeting, Fico stressed that Ukraine’s future in the EU depends on meeting the necessary accession criteria, but highlighted the positive impact such membership would bring, Caliber.Az reports via the Slovak government’s official site.

"The Slovak government wishes Ukraine European development. If Ukraine wants to join the EU, it is its sovereign decision and we support this decision," Fico said, noting that Ukraine's membership in the EU will bring significantly more opportunities than negative ones.

The talks also addressed Slovakia’s ongoing involvement in Ukraine’s reconstruction. According to Fico, Slovakia has received €101 million from the European Union for projects focused primarily on rebuilding Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. He explained that Slovak companies can access these funds as loans for projects in Ukraine, with guarantees provided by European institutions.

Fico also revealed that discussions are underway to organise another joint meeting between the Slovak and Ukrainian governments this autumn, aimed at advancing cooperation on future joint initiatives.

Alongside the Ukraine-related discussions, Fico and Kmec outlined Slovakia’s long-term development plans, announcing the forthcoming preparation of a national vision for 2040, which will feed into the country’s Investment Plan through 2035.

By Sabina Mammadli