Fico in Ukraine: repercussions for Europe?
Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico will meet his Ukrainian counterpart Denys Shmyhal in Uzhhorod today, Wednesday. Relations between the neighbouring countries are tense: farmers in Slovakia complain about falling prices due to an influx of cheap grain from Ukraine. Added to this is the uncertainty in Kyiv and Brussels about how Fico will position himself on the issue of further EU war aid for Ukraine.
Totally unpredictable
Český rozhlas complains about Fico's zig-zag course vis-à-vis Ukraine:
“During the election campaign he declared that if he won, not a single bullet from Slovakia would go to the war in Ukraine. But as soon as Fico formed his government he said he would not prevent private manufacturers in Slovakia from supplying weapons to Ukraine. ... Most recently, Fico declared in Bratislava that 'Ukraine is not an independent sovereign state, but is under the absolute influence of the US'. It remains to be seen how the Slovakian prime minister will behave at the EU summit in February. ... Since Fico has so far said different things at home than he has in Brussels, you never know what to expect from him.”
Anti-Americanism a sure bet
Denník Postoj notes:
“Before the meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart, Fico couldn't resist saying that Ukraine is not an independent sovereign state. ... The explanation for these outrageous statements lies in the anti-Americanism that is part of Fico's political make-up. ... In Europe's political salons there are many politicians with anti-American views. Fico, however, is a politician in a country where anti-Americanism and pro-Russian sympathies resonate with a relatively large section of the population. Harking back on them guarantees votes, which multiplies their appeal for political marketing.”
More cooperation good for both sides
liga.net calls for pragmatism:
“It is very important for Robert Fico to show that he can govern Slovakia better than his opponents and predecessors. ... Eastern Slovakia - the regions bordering Ukraine which are poorly developed and full of resentment and frustration - is one of Fico's core voter bases. ... Decisions that bring new jobs, higher wages or any other form of prosperity to the border region would certainly be welcomed by the Slovaks. Even if they were implemented jointly with Ukraine. ... The same applies to the Ukrainian side - especially if the implementation of this agenda is linked to the condition that Slovakia, which is governed by Fico, will not block Ukraine's path towards the EU.”
Good cop, bad cop
Radio Kommersant FM compares Fico with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who visited Ukraine on Monday:
“The harsh reality is that Kyiv's closer relations with the EU and the abolition of customs duties on Ukrainian goods will primarily harm the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Some leaders in these countries, particularly those in Hungary and Slovakia, say this openly. The Poles, on the other hand, are more reserved and emphasise their solidarity with embattled Ukraine. But this does not change the core of the problem - nobody wants to jeopardise their interests. In this sense, the new Polish prime minister is the good cop: he promises Kyiv political support and military cooperation. The Slovakian leader Robert Fico, on the other hand, is the bad cop.”
An unreliable partner
Fico's populist rhetoric is dividing Europe, observes the Tages-Anzeiger:
“Fico supports the decisions of the EU member states. He does not oppose them like Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, but sets a tone that appeals to his voters. ... Fico says he does not believe that Ukraine can win back parts of the country occupied by Russia, saying that the country will have to give them up. In any case, he maintains, Ukraine is not sovereign but absolutely at the mercy of US influence. ... Fico's speeches are also echoed elsewhere in Europe. ... Robert Fico is not an ideologue. He is more likely to be found where there is money to be made. For example in the reconstruction of Ukraine or tapping the EU's funding pots. But you can't rely on Fico.”