Slovakia could lose access to European Union funds if the governing coalition led by Prime Minister Robert Fico continues on a course described by several observers as illiberal. This warning comes from Martin Goisík, vice president of the European Parliament, who stressed that Bratislava’s policies are closely watched at the EU level. Slovakia’s relationship with EU funding is currently under scrutiny as the bloc weighs the political trajectory of the government and its impact on shared values and rule of law commitments.
Goisík noted that the risk hinges on whether Slovakia stays on a path that mirrors actions seen in other member states that have faced EU inquiries or funding freezes. The EU’s concerns focus on how media is managed under the current administration and the decision to dissolve a specialized prosecutor’s office, moves critics label as illiberal and as threats to judicial independence. These developments have sparked debates about whether the country could face similar funding consequences as other nations facing EU scrutiny and funding reductions.
Several EU observers argue that the fund suspension would be a response to patterns of governance that erode checks and balances. Politico has reported that the EU has already frozen funds for Hungary due to similar concerns, and observers warn that Slovakia could encounter comparable penalties if the Slovak government persists with its current reforms and policy directions. The potential alignment with Hungary’s approach raises questions about shared democratic standards and the long term impact on Slovakia’s access to financial assistance from Brussels.
Not all Slovak political figures endorse the prime minister’s approach. In a statement on the matter, the country’s president emphasized the importance of judicial independence and called into question the legitimacy of moves that appear to undermine constitutional checks. The president asserted that questioning the independence of the Constitutional Court is unacceptable and irresponsible, signaling a possible rift within the country’s political leadership over how to balance reforms with overarching European commitments.
On security and defense matters, Slovakia has previously weighed proposals about how to support Ukraine amid ongoing tensions. There were discussions about whether some Ukrainian forces should return home for reorganization and training, a conversation that underscored the broader regional concerns about stability and alliance obligations. These debates illustrate the delicate interplay between national sovereignty, regional security, and the expectations set by EU membership and transatlantic alliances.