OPINION: Slovak Prime Minister Threatens EU Unity With Dangerous Pro-Russian Rhetoric

In a move that has caused serious EU concern, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico openly defied European principles by appearing on Russia’s state-run Rossiya 1 channel, which is known for open war propaganda by the Kremlin and Vladimir Putin.

Fico’s decision to participate in an interview with a sanctioned Russian media outlet and his criticism of the British ambassador to Slovakia, Nigel Baker, for expressing concern about Fico’s move are just the latest episodes in a worrying trend of the Slovakian leader’s increasingly pro-Russian stance. This raises the question: how long will the European Union tolerate this blatant undermining of its common position on the war in Ukraine and its values?

Fico, whose populist rhetoric and nationalistic fervor are popular at home, openly disregards Slovakia’s obligations as an EU member state, particularly regarding the Union’s unified stance on Russian aggression against Ukraine. His statements in the television broadcast not only criticized the West’s support for Ukraine but also insinuated that Europe itself has no interest in achieving peace, which strongly supports the Kremlin’s narrative of the West as an aggressor prolonging the conflict. Although Fico has the right to manage Slovakia’s foreign policy, as he stated in his reply to Ambassador Baker, it is disturbing to see the prime minister of an EU member state legitimizing Russian state media and rejecting Western, i.e., European, diplomacy.

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So far, the EU has not imposed any sanctions against him, allowing him to continually undermine European solidarity without consequences. The situation poses a significant threat to the EU’s unified stance toward Ukraine, as member states like Slovakia appear to be getting bolder in disregarding sanctions and solidarity in favor of political opportunism. Europe, which has invested billions in supporting Slovakia and other Eastern European nations, cannot afford such defiance without consequences. If left unanswered, such actions could encourage other EU leaders with similar populist tendencies to weaken a common response to Russian aggression, fueling fragmentation within the Union.

For those unfamiliar, Rossiya 1 isn’t just a media outlet – it’s a powerful Kremlin propaganda tool. The network has been instrumental in shaping public opinion within Russia and beyond, promoting a narrative that justifies Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine and distorting the truth to suit Putin’s imperial ambitions. EU sanctions against Rossiya 1 and its affiliated journalists aim to curb the dissemination of such harmful propaganda and safeguard the EU’s principles of truth, human rights, and peace.

By accepting an interview on Rossiya 1, Fico essentially gave legitimacy to a channel actively spreading lies to justify the war against Ukraine. His comments echo positions often expressed by the Kremlin, particularly the claim that Western support for Ukraine prolongs the conflict – a narrative that serves Russian interests while undermining the unity of the European Union and its commitment to preserving Ukraine’s sovereignty. When the prime minister of an EU member state lends credibility to Russian propaganda, he not only undermines his country’s status in the EU but also calls into question Slovakia’s commitment to common European values.

Roberto Fico’s populist rhetoric is not new, but his recent moves signal a worrying escalation. He seems to be positioning Slovakia as a disturbance to the EU, a risky action that could have far-reaching consequences. His statements undermine the carefully crafted image of EU unity and play directly into the hands of those who would benefit from a divided Europe.

The EU has channeled significant funds into Slovakia, supporting the country’s economy, infrastructure, and security since its accession to the bloc and NATO. According to available data, since its accession, Slovakia has received over €24 billion from EU funds, which clearly shows the commitment of the Union to the improvement of its members. Yet this generous support does not seem to have done enough to dissuade Robert Fico from aligning himself with authoritarian Russia at a time when unity is crucial. His position, if left unanswered, sets a dangerous precedent.

The European Union has mechanisms to deal with such violations, but it must be ready to apply them decisively. The first and most obvious approach would be to consider personal sanctions against Fico and those in his administration who share his pro-Russian views. Sanctions, which have proven effective against other officials and oligarchs in Russia and Belarus, could involve freezing assets and imposing travel bans. These measures would send a strong message that the EU will not tolerate officials within its ranks who associate themselves with sanctioned entities and violate the spirit of European solidarity.

In addition, the EU has the option of suspending funds for Slovakia or making financial support conditional on a renewed commitment to the principles on which the EU is based. While this approach may potentially impact ordinary Slovak citizens, it could serve as a crucial measure to prevent the Union’s resources from supporting leaders who openly contradict its fundamental goals.

The EU could also apply Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union, which allows for sanctions against a member state when there is a “clear risk of a serious breach” of Union values, such as respect for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Applying Article 7 against Slovakia would reaffirm the EU’s unwavering commitment to upholding its fundamental principles, despite its rare use.

It is very dangerous if Europe remains passive. Russia’s war against Ukraine is not a distant conflict; it is a direct threat to the security and stability of the European continent. Fico’s rhetoric, which undermines Western support for Ukraine, weakens the EU’s collective response to the Kremlin’s aggression. His pro-Russian stance not only empowers Putin but also fuels the division that Russia has long used to weaken the EU from within.

Punishing Fico would not only show that the EU has the courage to stand up to unreliable leaders within its own ranks but would also confirm that Europe stands firmly with Ukraine. Slovakia, as a member of the EU, is expected to behave in accordance with the values and policies of this organization, of which it is a member. Fico’s continual deviation from this path must not go unanswered.

Faced with such an obvious challenge to its values, the EU is at a turning point. It can either continue to issue empty statements of concern and tepid announcements, hoping (unfoundedly) that leaders like Fico will eventually take the right path, or it can take decisive steps to reinforce the importance of unity and solidarity in the face of Russian aggression. If Europe does not respond to Fico’s moves, it risks emboldening other populist leaders who may see pro-Russian rhetoric as a viable political strategy, undermining the unity that is crucial to confronting the challenges posed by authoritarian regimes.

The message for Fico and others like him must be clear: the European Union will not tolerate leaders who align themselves with authoritarian propaganda, especially in times of crisis. This is not just about Slovakia or the British ambassador; this is a question of the very future of Europe and the principles on which it rests.

Europe must take a clear stand against this kind of behavior. If it continues to allow leaders within its ranks to undermine shared values and openly support regimes that threaten European stability, it calls into question its own relevance and strength. The EU must have the courage and strength to stand up to those who betray it – even members of its own community – if it wants to stay true to its ideals. Especially in that case!

The views expressed in this opinion article are the author’s and not necessarily those of Kyiv Post.