At the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) held in Budapest on 29 May 2025, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico delivered a speech emphasizing national sovereignty and critiquing the European Union's current direction. Addressing an audience that included Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and other European conservative figures, Fico received a standing ovation prior to his remarks.
In his address, Fico positioned himself as a "strong leftist and anti-fascist," distinguishing his views from what he termed the "Brussels left." He advocated for constitutional reforms in Slovakia, including defining marriage strictly as a union between a man and a woman, and limiting adoptions to heterosexual couples. Fico also criticized EU policies on migration, climate change, and military support for Ukraine, arguing that these initiatives undermine national sovereignty.
Fico's participation in CPAC aligns with a broader trend of European conservative leaders, such as Orbán, expressing scepticism toward deeper EU integration and promoting nationalistic policies. The conference served as a platform for these leaders to voice their concerns about the EU's trajectory and to advocate for a Europe that prioritizes national interests and traditional values.
Source: TASR, Pravda, SME, Euractive