In a move that reflects deepening divisions within Europe over responses to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, the Czech Republic has taken the unprecedented step of suspending intergovernmental consultations with Slovakia. The Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala’s government sees recent Slovak engagement with Russian officials as a step too far, stirring concerns about a shift away from the West’s policy on supporting Ukraine.
The recent meeting between Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, has become a focal point of contention. The Czech premier has voiced that “there are differences of opinion on several very important issues. We consider the meeting between the Slovak foreign minister and the Russian foreign minister to be problematic.” Subsequently, Prime Minister Fiala underscored that “the government therefore does not believe it is appropriate to hold intergovernmental consultations with the government of the Slovak Republic at this time.”
Jan Lipavský, the Czech foreign minister, resonated with the sentiment, stating, “I think friends should be honest with each other and tell each other even difficult stuff.” This frank exchange underscores a broader concern about Slovakia’s foreign policy direction under the leadership of Prime Minister Robert Fico, who has openly criticized sanctions against Russia and has called for a compromise between Kyiv and Moscow.
Despite the Slovak foreign minister’s defense, arguing against the notion that differences in foreign policy should undermine the relations between Bratislava and Prague, the Czech government’s stance remains firm. Blanár stated, “We do not believe that different views on various events abroad should undermine these relations,” yet stressed that Slovakia would not provide arms to Ukraine and would focus on humanitarian aid and demining equipment.
In the background, the political climate is further strained by European parliamentary elections, with the Czech official commenting on the context of the intergovernmental suspension, “We have to work with Slovaks on practical issues of two neighbouring countries but there is no room after Fico’s statements and their foreign minister’s meeting with Lavrov for gestures like holding a joint government session.”
The Slovak prime minister’s rebuttal accentuates the tensions, arguing that the Czech decision is a result of Prague’s interest in supporting the war in Ukraine, while Slovakia advocates for peace. Fico remarked, “Dear prime minister Fiala, the Czech government is welcome in Slovakia at any time.”
Relevant articles:
– Czech Republic to suspend talks with Slovakia over Russia ties
– Czechs burn bridge with Moscow-boosting Slovaks, POLITICO Europe, Wed, 06 Mar 2024 19:57:00 GMT