Slovak Government Plane Grounded in Brussels Following Accident

Brussels/Bratislava, 18 December (TASR) - The government plane of the Interior Ministry's aviation department, which brought Slovak Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD) to Brussels on Wednesday (17 December), was grounded for safety reasons after an accident at Brussels airport, reads a press release published by the Interior Minister's Office on Thursday, adding that neither the crew, nor the passengers were in any danger during the accident. "As the mobile steps were being moved into place by the handling company at Brussels airport, they came into contact with the fuselage of the aircraft near ​​the left front door. The incident wasn't the result of any mistake or negligence on the part of the Interior Ministry's aviation department," clarified the office. The premier announced following the accident that the vehicle with the mobile steps damaged the aircraft to the point that it became unable to fly. Following consultations with the technical department of the Interior Ministry's aviation department, the aircraft was grounded as a precaution for the necessary period for safety reasons, and the authorities are awaiting the manufacturer's opinion and a technical assessment of the situation, reads the press release. The premier participated in a summit of leaders of the European Council and the Western Balkan countries on Wednesday evening. On Thursday, Fico plans to attend a meeting of the informal group on industry and competitiveness, which will be followed by the EU summit itself. The presidents and premiers of EU-member states are set to discuss the financing of Ukraine, European security, EU enlargement and the long-term budget for 2028-2034. The discussions will also concern the situation in the Middle East, migration and competitiveness. The premier should return to Slovakia no later than Friday (19 December). ko/df