Blanar: Slovakia Supports Ukraine's EU Entry, But Kiev Must Meet All Criteria

Luxembourg/Bratislava, 20 October (TASR) – Slovakia supports Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, but only if all established criteria and rules are met, Foreign and European Afairs Minister Juraj Blanar said on Monday following the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg. „We believe that Ukraine is, in some ways, ready. However, there are objections from other countries that we must take into account. That does not prevent Ukraine from continuing with all the necessary reforms," Blanar stated. Regarding the upcoming 19th package of EU sanctions against Russia, Blanar stressed that Slovakia insists any sanctions or European Commission measures – including those linked to green policies – must not negatively impact the Slovak economy. He pointed to the need to revisit the planned ban on combustion engine vehicles after 2035 and highlighted the importance of measures to stabilise energy prices. „We are in close contact with the European Commission, and I can say that our proposals are largely accepted and being incorporated into conclusions set to be discussed at the European Council on Thursday," he added. If Slovakia's demands are included, Bratislava is ready to support the new sanctions package. Blanar also briefed partners on last week’s joint meeting between the Slovak and Ukrainian governments in Kosice. Among the agreed projects, he mentioned emergency electricity supplies, humanitarian programmes, and an initiative to open a school for Ukrainian children in Slovakia. The EU Council also expressed support for a planned meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump in Budapest. Blanar noted he hopes this will bring a new dynamic to negotiations. The ministers also discussed the situation in the Gaza Strip. Blanar welcomed the implementation of initial steps from the first phase of the peace plan proposed by US President Trump but warned that humanitarian aid for civilians in the Palestinian enclave remains insufficient. Future phases of the peace plan also remain uncertain, he said. According to Blanar, Slovakia is preparing its eighth evacuation of patients from Gaza to EU countries – this time to Ireland. „We want to continue these efforts," he emphasised. The EU Council also addressed developments in Moldova, Sudan, and Georgia. Blanar pointed to Moldova's pro-European orientation following recent elections and reiterated Slovakia’s offer of expert assistance in accession talks. In the case of Georgia, he rejected calls to suspend dialogue with the local government and underlined the importance of maintaining communication with Tbilisi. mf