Robert Fico backs Serbia's EU ambitions amid ongoing challenges

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, in an interview with the Serbian state television RTS, conveyed that Serbia is prepared for its European Union membership, though the process is hindered by perceived double standards applied to it. He emphasized the need for EU decisions to reflect citizens' interests, and to learn from previous mistakes made by other countries during their EU accession processes. Fico also proposed a collaborative format that would unite Slovakia, Hungary, and Serbia in a manner akin to the Visegrad Group (V4). He highlighted positive communication with both Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, noting a shared ideological alignment that favors a sovereign policy approach. Additionally, Fico praised Serbia's commitment to supporting the EU's border protection efforts, indicating that Slovakia could share its expertise in the nuclear energy sector with Serbia. This involvement could include guidance on building, modernizing, and decommissioning nuclear power plants, which Slovakia has experience with. Fico acknowledged that, as Slovakia prepares to assume the V4 presidency over the next year, he plans to initiate discussions regarding Serbia's potential EU accession and the establishment of a V5 format, encompassing Slovakia, Hungary, and Serbia. Fico reiterated his opposition to the recognition of Kosovo's independence, arguing that such declarations should not be made unilaterally. He assured Russia's invitation for Serbian television to accompany President Vučić to Moscow in May 2025 for Victory Day celebrations over Fascism, showcasing ongoing diplomatic relations. Overall, Fico's statements reflect Slovakia's readiness to support Serbia’s aspirations and the overarching desire for further collaboration within the region, particularly in light of shared geopolitical interests. The Prime Minister's remarks resonate with Slovakia's commitment to fostering regional stability and strengthening ties with Serbia, which may enhance the prospects for Hungary's involvement and broader regional cooperation.