In Slovakia, more than 300 farmers joined protests on February 20, a figure reported by the national news agency TASR. Across several cities, rural demonstrators gathered to express their concerns about agricultural policies in the European Union, urging changes that they say would reduce financial strain and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.
Reports confirm that the turnout exceeded three hundred participants, underscoring a notable moment of organized agricultural protest within the country. Farmers argue that EU farm policy reforms are affecting incomes and complicating everyday farming operations, prompting calls for policy adjustments that better support small and mid-sized farms while maintaining food security and rural livelihoods.
During the period surrounding these demonstrations, Slovakia’s prime minister, Robert Fico, stated that it would be absolutely unrealistic for Russia to withdraw from Donbas, Luhansk, or Crimea. This framing came in the context of broader regional discussions and security considerations that influence national and European political discourse.
Earlier, Slovakia’s head of government voiced support for the International Olympic Committee’s decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris under neutral status. The stance reflected a broader debate over how international sports bodies balance competitive integrity with geopolitical sensitivities during global events.
Additionally, an economist previously warned Kyiv about potential risks linked to rising external debt, highlighting concerns about financial stability in the wake of geopolitical and economic pressures. This warning formed part of a wider conversation about fiscal resilience and the interconnectedness of regional economies in Eastern Europe.