MORNING NEWS HIGHLIGHTS - Saturday, 13 June 2026 - 9 a.m.

TASR brings a quick morning overview of the most important events seen in Slovakia on the previous day (Friday, 12 June): BRATISLAVA - Prime Minister Robert Fico said he discussed what he described as a policy of double standards with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola during a meeting at the Slovak Government Office on Friday, TASR learnt from the Government Office's press department on the same day. According to Fico, such an approach is characteristic of EU institutions, including the European Parliament. "I joined the view expressed by the US Vice-President that the EU's greatest problem is that it does not respect the fundamental values on which it is built, particularly the value of the right to hold a different opinion," the prime minister said. Fico argued that a European Parliament resolution adopted in May criticised Slovakia on a number of issues, many of which he said were untrue. "It also criticises us for amending the Slovak Constitution, in which we clearly stated that, in matters of national identity, private life and marriage, Slovak law takes precedence over European law, which is undoubtedly our right. I asked very openly why this sovereign Slovak position is perceived in Brussels as a violation of the rule of law," Fico said. He also noted that the current governing coalition does not hold a constitutional majority and that support from opposition lawmakers was required to secure the constitutional amendment. "I asked even more directly why the European Parliament failed to act when unlawful excesses and the gross misuse of criminal law for political purposes were taking place in Slovakia between 2020 and 2023," the prime minister said [referring to the prosecution of Smer-SD nominees in corruption-related cases-ed.note]. He added that he had told Metsola that, if the European Parliament wished to discuss violations of the rule of law, it should focus on Slovakia during the years 2020-2023 rather than on the approved constitutional amendment. "This is a glaring example of double standards," he added. Following the meeting with the European Parliament president, Fico held a telephone conversation with European Council President Antonio Costa regarding the upcoming summit. "I once again requested that we devote greater attention next Thursday and Friday (18 and 19 June) to the issues of economic growth in the EU and high energy prices, which are undermining our competitiveness," he said. Fico also noted that he would raise the issue of reimbursement for weapons donated to Ukraine. BRATISLAVA - Under the Slovak Constitution, marriage may only be entered into by a man and a woman, Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) declared on Friday afternoon after visiting the Special Registry Office at the Interior Ministry, the only authority authorised to record marriages concluded abroad in the Slovak civil registry. "You have certainly all noticed that homosexual couples who married in countries where this is permitted are also seeking registration in the Slovak registry. To remove any doubt, I fully respect real-life situations in which people of the same sex live in a partnership. On the other hand, I must protect the Slovak Constitution, which defines marriage as the unique union of a man and a woman," the prime minister said. Fico thanked employees of the Special Registry Office for what he described as a constructive discussion. According to Fico, he and the registry staff agreed that current legislation does not allow the registration in Slovakia of marriages between persons of the same sex, even if such marriages were legally concluded in a foreign country where they are permitted. "The Special Registry Office must therefore not register a marriage that is contrary to the constitutional definition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman. It is not possible to request the registration of something that does not exist in our legal order," the prime minister underlined. Fico noted that opponents of this view often refer to rulings by international courts. He added that, in the past, Smer had secured a constitutional provision stating that, in matters of national identity and marriage, Slovak law takes precedence over international law. Fico added that the government will tighten a provision of the Registry Act in this regard. BRATISLAVA - The European Union must deliver tangible results for its inhabitants and strengthen their trust in the common European project, President Peter Pellegrini declared after receiving European Parliament President Roberta Metsola at the Presidential Palace on Friday, TASR learnt from the President's Office press department on the same day. "The Slovak people perceive the benefits of the European Union in very concrete terms, through the free movement of people, the Erasmus+ programme, the Schengen area and support for regions. It is precisely these kinds of results that strengthen trust in the European Union," said the president. The talks focused on European security and defence. Pellegrini stressed that Europe must assume greater responsibility for its own security and bolster its defence capabilities in cooperation with NATO. "The Union cannot be merely an economic project. It must be capable of protecting its citizens and responding to new security challenges," he stated. Regarding the situation in Ukraine, the head of state said that Slovakia supports Ukraine's future within the European sphere, but the enlargement process must remain based on clear rules and merit. He recalled the specific assistance that Slovakia is providing to Ukraine in the humanitarian, development and energy sectors. "A secure and stable Ukraine is important for the security of the whole of Europe. The European Union must therefore play an active role in efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace," stated the president. Pellegrini and Metsola also discussed the future of EU enlargement. The president highlighted the reform efforts of the Western Balkan countries and underlined that the Union's credibility partly depends on its ability to honour commitments to partners making progress in the integration process. "If Europe wants to remain credible, it must be fair. Countries that meet the conditions and implement reforms must see a genuine prospect of membership of the European Union," he added. Pellegrini also praised the role of the European Parliament as the Union's only directly elected institution, and he underscored the importance of an open dialogue between European and national leaders. "Even when opinions differ, we must preserve room for substantive and respectful discussion. Only in this way can we strengthen European unity and find solutions that benefit the inhabitants of all member states," he said. The two officials also discussed preparations for the EU's next multi-annual budget for the 2028-2034 period, the bloc's competitiveness, support for the automotive sector and energy policy. During her visit to Bratislava, Metsola also met House Chair Richard Rasi and Prime Minister Robert Fico. BRATISLAVA - I fear that the EU Migration Pact will fail to prevent migration issues, with its "false" mandatory solidarity, compulsory quotas and payments for illegal migrants, Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok (Voice-SD) told a press conference on Friday in response to the Migration Pact entering into force on the same day. "Our main concern with this Migration Pact is what we see as a form of false mandatory solidarity, and we don't agree with quotas that would impose an obligation on Slovakia to enshrine in law the number of illegal migrants to stay in Slovakia," said Sutaj Estok, adding that he doesn't want the country to experience tragedies caused by migrants. "We don't want this in Slovakia, which is precisely why we've taken up a clear stance against it. Nor are we willing to pay for these illegal migrants," said Sutaj Estok, noting that he's curious to see how Ireland will approach this issue after taking over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in July. "I've already spoken to the Irish interior minister, who considers the implementation of the Migration Pact to be one of his priorities during the Irish presidency starting next month. But Slovakia's position is clear: as long as this government remains in power, our stance against illegal migration will apply," he stated. The EU Migration Pact is a set of binding rules for managing migration within the EU and creates a common asylum system. It was adopted in 2024, with Poland, Slovakia and Hungary voting against it. The pact includes a mandatory solidarity mechanism requiring the relocation of migrants, a fine of €20,000 to be paid per unaccepted migrant, or the provision of operational and technical support to member states that are most exposed to migratory pressure. BRATISLAVA - The European Union (EU) must fight for its future, competitiveness and security, for a higher standard of living for people in Slovakia and across Europe, and to resolve the challenges brought about by global conflicts, stated House Chair Richard Rasi (Voice-SD) following his meeting with European Parliament (EP) President Roberta Metsola at Bratislava Castle on Friday. According to Rasi, cooperation between both parliaments "is essential for us to tackle what lies ahead". Rasi said that he and Metsola discussed the EU's future budget, the so-called Multiannual Financial Framework, which is linked to new EU funds for Slovakia. The EU also needs to strengthen European industry, including the automotive industry, which, according to Rasi, is vital for Slovakia in that it accounts for 10 percent of its gross domestic product, employing nearly a quarter of a million people. According to Metsola, Europe is proud of its automotive industry, which serves as a symbol of its excellence and is also a constant reminder of what can be achieved on the European continent. "This is the Europe we are striving for, the one we want to be known for – innovation, industry, and sophistication," she remarked. The EP president went on to say that Europe is an economic superpower with a strong market, talented people and immense potential. She added that the EP is trying to fix what isn't working well and that cutting red tape will make things easier for businesses. The parliamentary leaders agreed that the EP, alongside national parliaments, needs to adopt a rational approach to green issues. "Every one of us wants Slovakia to be green for our children, our grandchildren and for ourselves, while at the same time able to create jobs, with the EU also being capable of generating earnings, so that life here won't only be beautiful and green, but also with jobs to offer," stated Rasi. He and Metsola also discussed migration and EU-enlargement issues. "Slovakia wants the Western Balkan countries to be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel, so that after many years they can become part of the EU," said Rasi, reiterating that Slovakia wants the process to be fair. Metsola stressed that the EP's goal isn't to point fingers at anyone, but to work together so that countries, alongside the EU, can protect their shared way of life. "Cooperation between our parliaments plays an important role," she said. Rasi also stated that Slovakia's membership of the EU and the support that it receives from the EU mean security for Slovak families, adding that European funds will flow directly into the regions. On Friday in Bratislava, Metsola will also meet President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD). She'll attend a discussion with students, and she's also set to visit the Volkswagen Slovakia car-making plant in Bratislava. mf