Fico: Slovakia supports Ukraine's EU integration, but not outside established rules

Slovakia supports Ukraine's accession to the European Union, but not through an exceptional or accelerated procedure that would allow it to move ahead of other candidate countries, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said on August 25 during a joint press statement with European Council President António Costa in Bratislava, according to Report's European bureau.

"Slovakia supports everyone who wants to become a member of the EU, provided they meet all the conditions. This means no exceptions and no shortcuts. This applies to Ukraine as well," Fico said.

According to him, Ukraine should not move ahead of countries that have been pursuing European integration for a longer period.

"It is impossible for Ukraine to move faster than countries such as Montenegro and overtake countries such as Albania or Serbia," the Slovak prime minister said, stressing the need for common rules to be followed by all candidate countries.

Speaking about Serbia, Fico said Slovakia is a "staunch supporter" of Belgrade's path toward EU membership.

"We must stop creating any political obstacles when it comes to this country's integration into the European Union," he said.

According to Fico, Slovakia is ready to share its EU accession experience with Serbia and support its integration process.

Fico said Slovakia is prepared to offer the same experience to Ukraine, but Kyiv cannot expect preferential treatment.

"The Slovak government is ready to participate and offer our experience of the integration process, and we are saying the same to the Ukrainian side, but it is impossible for Ukraine to receive exceptions in this regard. The Slovak government will be absolutely strict on this issue," the prime minister said.

The prospects for EU enlargement were also discussed during the meeting in Bratislava.

As previously reported, Costa is touring EU capitals in an effort to secure member states" support on key issues on the European agenda.

The main topic of Costa and Fico's talks was the EU"s new long-term budget for 2028–2034. Fico said Slovakia supports reaching a political agreement on the budget by the end of 2026, calling it an important stabilizing factor for the European Union.

At the same time, Bratislava opposes cuts to spending on cohesion policy and agriculture.

Fico said Slovakia, together with other members of the "Friends of Cohesion" group, would seek to preserve funding aimed at reducing regional disparities, as well as secure additional funds for eastern EU countries bordering Ukraine.

The prime minister added that Slovakia, which currently holds the presidency of the Visegrad Group, intends to coordinate the positions of the four countries on the budget and other issues.