Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has faced criticism over his apparent ambiguity regarding Slovakia’s membership of the European Union.
He has also come under scrutiny both nationally and internationally regarding his policies that seem to diverge from Brussels’ agenda.
Tensions escalated when the Slovak opposition unsuccessfully attempted a no-confidence motion in parliament on January 21.
The European Commission has raised concerns about Fico’s strategic decisions on energy policy and his ongoing trade relations with Russia.
The country’s main opposition party, Progressive Slovakia led by Michal Šimečka, accused Fico of “undemocratic manoeuvres” after the Prime Minister requested part of the parliamentary debate on the no-confidence motion be held behind closed doors.
According to Fico, this measure was necessary due to what he said was the confidential nature of a national security report.
Šimečka, though, said: “Fico is afraid to discuss his failures publicly.”
Although the opposition walked out of the session in protest, Šimečka promised to push for another vote.
The no-confidence motion was partly motivated by Fico’s recent visit to Moscow and rumours that his government was considering withdrawing Slovakia from the EU.
“This is an existential threat to our national interests,” declared Šimečka, a claim to which the Slovak Government has yet to respond.
The EU’s criticism of Fico has intensified following to his statements that have appeared designed to undermine the bloc’s unity.
He is not alone in his defiance. Following US President Donald Trump’s victory, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán declared it was time for the “occupation of Brussels”.
In recent remarks, Fico suggested that Slovakia should prepare for a possible dissolution of the EU, describing the current situation as a “potential crisis scenario”.
He also questioned Brussels’ governance structure, arguing that the majority voting system could be used to impose decisions contrary to national sovereignty.
These statements coincided with the EC’s plans to reform the EU’s founding treaties, removing member states’ veto rights and replacing them with qualified majority voting.
If implemented, many believe this reform would significantly reduce the decision-making power of smaller countries like Slovakia and Hungary.
In Brussels, Fico’s rhetoric has been perceived as a threat to European consensus at a time of increasing geopolitical pressure.
The situation was further complicated by Trump’s recent statements adding to uncertainty about the future of transatlantic unity.
Slovakia’s PM Robert Fico says he secured guaranteed gas supply from Russia just before Ukraine halted the transit of gas from the country at the start of 2025. https://t.co/LZnNOpZojh
— Brussels Signal (@brusselssignal) January 9, 2025
