Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico has publicly expressed support for Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, asserting that this is a sovereign decision for Kyiv to make. Speaking during a press briefing on the National Recovery Plan, Fico highlighted that Slovakia has already received €101 million in EU funds allocated for infrastructure projects in Ukraine. He explained that Slovak companies will be able to utilize these resources as loans for such projects, with guarantees provided by European institutions. Fico further suggested that a joint government session with Ukraine could be organized in the autumn to coordinate collaborative efforts and promote Ukraine’s European-style development.

During the press conference, Fico declared, “If Ukraine wants to join the EU, that is its sovereign decision, and we support that decision,” while cautioning that Ukraine must still fulfill the standard accession criteria. He emphasized that EU membership for Ukraine “will bring far more opportunities than drawbacks.” These remarks represent a notable shift in tone, given Fico’s history of criticism toward Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his alignment with pro-Russian sentiments.

In the past, Fico has suggested that Europe should allow the United States and Russia space for negotiations, openly opposed further military and economic support to Kyiv, and warned that efforts to weaken Russia through the war could be counterproductive. He has also accused NATO and Western nations of promoting war for the benefit of arms manufacturers. Nevertheless, his recent statements in favor of Ukraine’s potential EU membership suggest a more nuanced approach—supporting integration while underscoring the importance of adherence to established EU rules and conditions.

Slovakia’s evolving position reflects the tension within the country’s leadership between Fico’s pragmatic outreach to Ukraine and his broader skepticism of NATO and EU foreign policy interventions. His support for Ukraine’s accession bid comes amid internal and international scrutiny over domestic policies, EU relations, and Slovakia’s broader geopolitical orientation.