Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has announced his intention to send an open letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, following a phone conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Fico expressed that world leaders do not take the European Union seriously due to its “nonsensical climate goals and suicidal migration policies.”
Prime Minister Fico stated that he informed Chancellor Merz of his plan to send the open letter on Tuesday, January 20th. This letter is intended to bring to the attention of all EU member state leaders his concerns about the current direction of the European Union. Fico specifically criticized what he termed “nonsensical climate goals and suicidal migration policies” as contributing factors to a perceived lack of seriousness from global leaders towards the EU.
During his phone call with Friedrich Merz, Fico proposed several solutions and expressed hope for a future visit from the German Chancellor to Slovakia, noting the significant presence of German companies in the country and the Slovak economy’s dependence on German development, particularly in the automotive sector. The conversation also touched upon the “serious international situation,” with Fico recounting his recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Florida. Fico contrasted the U.S. approach of pursuing national interests with that of the EU, suggesting that a similar focus by the EU would place it in a stronger global position.
Further reports indicate that the call with Merz was “extremely tough.” Fico has been vocal about his opposition to certain EU sanctions against Russia, particularly a proposed halt to Russian gas imports from January 2028. He warned that such a move could lead to an energy catastrophe for Slovakia and potentially result in a lawsuit from Gazprom worth billions of euros. Fico has indicated that Slovakia will not agree to the 18th package of sanctions unless concrete guarantees are provided, stating he is prepared to block the package if necessary.