German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned on May 26 that Germany may propose cutting EU funds to Slovakia if it continues to diverge from the EU’s common direction. He issued a similar warning to Hungary, which has had funding frozen over corruption and rule-of-law concerns. Merz criticized both countries for using their veto powers to weaken EU sanctions against Russia and warned of tougher measures if needed.
His remarks come amid growing concerns in Brussels over Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s confrontational stance toward the EU and alignment with Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán. Both leaders maintain ties with Russia, and Fico’s recent meeting with Vladimir Putin has drawn sharp criticism.
In response, Fico condemned Merz’s statement as “unacceptable in modern Europe,” saying Slovakia will not be intimidated. Speaking from Armenia on May 27, he defended Slovakia’s independent stance, stressing it is based on national interests, not narrow-mindedness. He rejected claims of rule-of-law violations and reiterated opposition to halting gas transit via Ukraine or ending nuclear fuel imports from Russia.
Germany, a key economic partner of both Slovakia and Hungary, may reassess its relationships if tensions escalate further.
Source: TASR, STVR
