Slovakia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally summoned the British ambassador to address concerns over the activities of a UK-based media consultancy, Zinc Network, which Slovak officials suspect may have interfered in the country’s 2023 parliamentary elections.

According to the Slovak government, the agency may have sought to influence public opinion during the election period, raising questions about foreign involvement in the democratic process. Officials in Bratislava are demanding detailed explanations about Zinc Network’s operations, partners, and funding sources during the months leading up to the vote.

In response, the British government released a statement defending the agency, stating that Zinc Network had been involved in a pro-democracy voter engagement campaign. “The goal was to encourage democratic participation and support a high voter turnout. There was no intention to interfere in the political preferences or outcomes of the election,” the UK Foreign Office noted.

Zinc Network is a communications and strategic influence consultancy that has previously worked with Western governments and international organizations on counter-disinformation campaigns, civic engagement, and media development. The agency has operated in multiple countries, including in Eastern Europe, often under contracts funded by public institutions.

Although its projects often focus on strengthening democratic resilience and combating manipulation, critics have at times accused Zinc Network of operating in gray areas where strategic communication can blur into soft political influence.

The 2023 Slovak parliamentary elections were marked by intense polarization and concerns about misinformation. The campaign period saw widespread debates over media credibility, foreign influence, and national sovereignty. The elections resulted in a victory for Robert Fico’s SMER-SD party, which returned to power with a populist, socially conservative platform and a strong stance against perceived foreign interference.

Since taking office, the Fico government has been more assertive in confronting what it perceives as undue influence from Western NGOs, media agencies, and international actors. The recent summoning of the British ambassador fits into a broader narrative promoted by the ruling coalition — that Slovak democracy must be safeguarded from external manipulation.

While the British embassy has maintained that all activities were transparent and in line with democratic values, the Slovak government’s decision to escalate the matter diplomatically indicates growing unease. Analysts suggest that the incident could strain UK–Slovakia relations and add fuel to the regional debate over the line between promoting democracy and interfering in sovereign affairs.

So far, neither government has confirmed whether further diplomatic action will follow. However, both sides have reiterated the importance of mutual respect and ongoing dialogue.