Slovakia supports Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, but not as an exception or through a fast-track procedure, and not ahead of other candidate countries.
According to the European bureau of Report, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico made this statement on 25 August during a joint press conference with the President of the European Council, António Costa, in Bratislava.
“Slovakia supports anyone who wishes to become a member of the EU, provided they fulfil all the conditions. This means no exceptions and no shortcuts. This also applies to Ukraine,” said Fico.
According to him, Ukraine should not overtake countries that have been progressing further along the path to European integration.
“It is impossible for Ukraine to move faster than countries such as Montenegro and to overtake countries such as Albania or Serbia,” stated the Slovak Prime Minister, insisting on the need to apply the same rules to all candidate countries.
Speaking about Serbia, Fico stated that Slovakia is a “strong supporter” of Belgrade’s path to the EU: “We must stop creating any political obstacles when it comes to this country’s integration into the European Union.”
Slovakia, he said, is ready to share its experience of EU accession with Serbia and to support it in the integration process.
Fico noted that Slovakia is prepared to offer the same experience to Ukraine, but that Kyiv cannot expect any special treatment.
