PS: Return to Clear Pro-European Foreign Policy Priority in 2026

Bratislava, 9 January (TASR) – The biggest challenge for Slovakia's foreign policy this year is to halt its disintegration and restore the country's credibility, the opposition Progressive Slovakia (PS) party told TASR on Friday. A return by the end of 2026 to a clear and pro-European foreign policy, the renewal of professional diplomacy and active participation in shaping the EU's security and defence policy must be priorities. Only in this way can Slovakia remain a safe, prosperous and respected country, PS maintained. "The world is changing rapidly, and the US security strategy is changing as well. Europe must rely more on itself and strengthen common defence, technological sovereignty and economic resilience. Slovakia, however, has long been absent from key initiatives such as the coalition of the willing. This isn't a coincidence, but the result of a conscious political choice by Robert Fico's government, which decided to stand aside at a time when Europe's future is being decided," the party stated. According to PS, last year fully showed that the current government's foreign policy is pulling Slovakia towards decline, international isolation and a turn away from Europe. "During the most serious security crisis in Europe since the Second World War, Slovakia has abandoned an active role in the European Union and NATO. Along with Hungary, it has been ranked among the free riders who benefit from common security and solidarity but refuse to bear responsibility ... The prime minister's performances at European summits have also become a symbol of failure," said PS. The party also criticised Prime Minister Robert Fico's (Smer-SD) foreign trips to Moscow and Beijing. "This is an international embarrassment and a betrayal of Slovakia's national interests because it weakens our security, our economy and the trust of our partners," it added. Relations with key partners in the EU and NATO clearly worsened in 2025, said PS. Slovakia has lost its reputation as a reliable and predictable partner. "Our allies still don't know whether we will stand by common decisions or weaken or block them. They've also noticed scandalous public statements by our representatives that insult democratic world leaders, relativise Slovakia's membership of NATO or openly question the country's fundamental security interests," said the party. PS also pointed to the systematic weakening of the foreign ministry and the diplomatic service. "The departure of experienced diplomats, the replacement of expertise with political loyalty and the erosion of continuity have led to a loss of trust among partners. While the minister takes photos at home with ambassadors, top-level foreign visits are bypassing Slovakia," it noted. Slovakia's involvement in global and European issues is also insufficient, according to PS. "We've deliberately avoided responsibility in key issues, above all in support for Ukraine. This isn't only about Ukraine, it's about the security and economic future of Slovakia," the party added. mf/df