Furore over Slovak politician's EU and NATO exit remarks

The Vice-Chairman of Slovakia's Parliament, Tibor Gašpar, was part of a parliamentary delegation to Moscow earlier this week. On Friday, he appeared as a guest on Slovak state television STVR. His comments there have sparked considerable controversy in Slovakia.

Gašpar, who also holds a senior position in the leading ruling party, Direction – Slovak Social Democracy (Smer-SSD), stated during the interview that although leaving the EU and NATO "is currently not a priority goal" for his party, he believes "the door should remain open for a situation in which we consider an extreme solution."

Gašpar's declaration received an immediate response from coalition partner party Voice – Social Democracy (Hlas-SD), which emphasised its commitment to a "sovereign foreign policy" while simultaneously asserting: "However, we reject any discussions about the possible exit of Slovakia from the EU or NATO."

President Peter Pellegrini took to social media to remind everyone of the foreign policy memorandum dated 1 September 2024, in which Slovakia's top politicians pledged their support for EU and NATO membership. This document was signed by the Prime Minister, the President, and the acting head of Parliament.

Prime Minister Robert Fico, who visited Moscow on 22 December and held talks with President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin, stated two weeks later that he wants a new declaration outlining Slovakia's foreign policy directions. He argued that a debate on this topic is necessary due to the emergence of views within the EU that differ from those promoted by Brussels.

Meanwhile, opposition parties are calling for a firm affirmation of Slovakia's EU and NATO membership. One such party, Freedom and Solidarity (SaS), proposed on Friday that the clause regarding the EU and NATO should be enshrined in the constitution.