Strengthening regional cooperation, supporting European Union enlargement, and coordinating common positions on European and international issues were among the main priorities of Slovakia’s one-year presidency of the Slavkov Format (S3), which lasted from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, according to the Slovak Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.
Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár stated that “during our presidency we managed to maintain an intensive political dialogue between Slovakia, Czechia, and Austria at all levels,” adding that the format has proven capable of jointly addressing practical issues affecting citizens while coordinating positions on key European and global topics.
Over the past year, a series of political and expert-level meetings took place, with Slovakia emphasizing energy security, European competitiveness, EU enlargement, digital transformation, development cooperation, transport infrastructure, and strengthening international law.
EU enlargement, particularly the integration process of Western Balkan countries, was a central theme. In April 2026, the foreign ministers of S3 countries visited Albania, reaffirming support for its European perspective and closer ties with the EU. Slovakia also pledged to continue sharing its transformation experience with Western Balkan states.
Slovakia also prioritized coordination on multilateral issues. In September 2025, it hosted a meeting of directors for international law ahead of the UN General Assembly, and in April 2026, a meeting of state secretaries in New York focused on the functioning of the United Nations. Blanár emphasized that “the countries of the Slavkov Format are interested in acting in a coordinated manner in addressing global challenges,” noting that regular dialogue strengthens their voice in international organizations.
The presidency also included several expert and coordination meetings, including a March 2026 gathering of directors-general for European affairs focused on EU competitiveness and joint positions. Activities also took place through Slovak diplomatic missions abroad.
High-level political meetings were also held during the presidency. Speakers of parliament met in December 2025 at Bratislava Castle, while prime ministers met in February 2026 and adopted a joint declaration on electricity prices. The cycle of top-level meetings concluded with a May summit of presidents focusing on foreign policy, energy security, and the use of artificial intelligence in education.
The Slavkov Format was established on January 29, 2015, through a declaration signed by the prime ministers of Slovakia, Czechia, and Austria. Its aim is to strengthen cooperation in areas of shared interest, coordinate positions on European issues, and support projects benefiting citizens of all three countries. The presidency rotates annually among member states, and Slovakia concludes its fourth presidency on June 30, 2026, handing it over to Austria.
Source: TASR
