The fight for Europe is on
At a time of intensifying great power competition, the EU has to choose between becoming a satrap of the U.S. or breaking free to steer its own course โ and it must decide quickly.
At a time of intensifying great power competition, the EU has to choose between becoming a satrap of the U.S. or breaking free to steer its own course โ and it must decide quickly.
While most European countries believe that Europe should be involved in the negotiations, Hungary and Slovakia are critical of Brussels.
The protests that have shaken both countries since the end of 2024 bear striking similarities at a time when pro-Russian political forces are gaining ground everywhere.
Regionโs autocrats join in persecution of agency that provided aid and helped to build up civil society in 1990sAcross the former Soviet bloc, rightwing and autocratic government have their knives out for USAid, demanding data on grant recipients from …
The prosecutor, who based his decision on publicly available sources, said there was no indication that Fico and Putin concluded any new legal act.
The prime minister makes no secret of his closeness to Vladimir Putin’s Russia rather than the European Union. This is much to the dismay of some Slovaks, who are stepping up demonstrations.
Huge crowds gathered in dozens of cities and towns across Slovakia on Friday to mount vocal protests against the pro-Russian policies of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico. The latest wave of anti-government rallies was fueled by Ficoโs recent trip t…
More than 100,000 people hit the streets Friday across Slovakia and elsewhere in Europe to defend the country’s Western orientation.
The country is witnessing protests against the Prime Minister Robert Fico.
In today’s edition of the Capitals, read about the gunshots that changed Robert Fico, how Germans are not turned off by Merz’s far-right collaboration, and so much more.
A political assassination attempt, like the one on Trump, may have a similar boosting effect.
Even if Merz stumbles across the finish line and secures a coalition government, the death knell for Christian democracy may well have been sounded.
Moscow shows โindifferenceโ to civilian humanitarian corridor offer, says Zelenskyy; France delivers Mirage jets. What we know on day 1,080Russia said it was battling a new Ukrainian offensive in Kursk, as Kyiv offered a humanitarian corridor for civil…
But Slovakia should be able to spend EU defence funds on “dual-purpose projects” like roads and bridges, Fico added.
Bratislava and Kyiv have been at loggerheads since the Slovak leadership cut off weapons flows to Ukraine and embraced Moscow talking points.
With the new Trump era likely to pose unprecedented challenges the message from Europeโs fragile democracies is: stay united and safeguard your institutionsEuropeans who witnessed democracy crumble before their eyes have some words of advice for Americ…
BRATISLAVA – The opposition Christian Democratic Party (KDH) has announced it will not support Prime Minister Robert Ficoโs proposed amendments, which seek to define only two genders, ban adoption by same-sex couples, and establish the primacy of Slova…
PRAGUE – Czech public media face growing threats as opposition leader Andrej Babiลก, widely regarded as a frontrunner in this autumnโs general election, advocates for direct state funding of broadcasters. His proposed reforms, mirroring those in Slovaki…
Belgian airspace reopens after closure forced PM Fico’s flight to return to Slovakia
Europeโs leaders had plenty of warnings about what the U.S. presidentโs second term might mean, but amid much eye-rolling, hand-wringing and wishful thinking, they failed to agree on a plan.
Thirteen people wounded, including eight-year-old girl, in Sumy apartment block attack. Sweden pledges $1.2bn in Ukraine military aid, its biggest pledge yet. What we know on day 1,073See all our Ukraine war coverageA Russian drone attack on a resident…
Robert Fico was due to discuss his gas transit dispute with Ukraine with EU leaders.
Relations between Robert Fico in Bratislava and Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv have become increasingly bitter over the month.
In today’s edition of the Capitals, find out more about the national investigation into Meloni’s handling of the deportation of a war crimes suspect, the mass resignations at Slovakia’s National Gallery, and so much more.
The post Czechia delays action…
Protesters and opposition politicians call for Slovak PM Robert Ficoโs resignation
Before relenting, Budapest had threatened to allow billions of dollars to flow back to the Kremlin in a row over energy imports.
In todayโs edition of the Capitals, find out more about NATO’s Rutte meeting Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sรกnchez, Slovakia’s Fico losing support in parliament as pressure mounts, and so much more.ย ย
The post Tusk slams Musk for โsinisterโ words at AfD…
Should EU foreign ministers fail to renew the sanctions by January, diplomats say there is still enough time to call an had-hoc emergency EU summit
The post EU’s Russia sanctions roll-over explained appeared first on Euractiv.
Slovakiaโs right-wing government is spearheading a push to strengthen EU rules on unfair trading practices, saying the current reforms donโt go far enough.
Ankara is angling for new energy talks in Brussels amid pressure for closer ties with the bloc.
Monday 27 January is the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the German Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz. Three survivors, two of whom were interned there as teenagers, tell Kate Connolly their stories. Continue reading…
Comments follow an announcement from newly inaugurated US secretary of state Marco Rubio that he would pause foreign aid grants for 90 days. What we know on day 1,068See all our Ukraine coverageThe US has not stopped military aid to Ukraine after newly…
The latest protests come after private meeting between Robert Fico and Vladimir Putin in DecemberThe Slovakian prime minister, Robert Fico, has rejected calls for his resignation after tens of thousands demonstrated against his governmentโs policy shif…
Comments came after angry complaints from Slovakia and Hungary over Kyiv’s refusal to renew transit of Russian gas.
“There will be more and more of us. Those who want to live in our little Slovakia, but in a civilized Europe,” said Eva Kulovรก, 84, who helped topple Communism.
Tens of thousands protest across Slovakia against PM Robert Fico’s stance on Russia
Ukrainian president issues warning after Russiaโs leader said he was โready for negotiationsโ with US counterpart on the war. What we know on day 1,067See all our Ukraine coverage Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has warned that his Russian co…
Around 60,000 people gather in Bratislava to oppose Robert Ficoโs policy moves, with rallies also held in 20 other citiesTens of thousands of protesters thronged a central square in the Slovak capital, waving banners opposing prime minister Robert Fico…
But diplomats still expect the Hungarian prime minister to ultimately back down, perhaps as soon as Monday.
Since the fourth Fico government came to power in Slovakia, hunting bears and wolves has increased dramatically.
The post Czechia growls at Slovakia in wolf hunting row appeared first on Euractiv.
Political acrimony is rocking Bratislava.
In todayโs edition of the Capitals, find out more about a YouTube Journalist announcing plans to run for Polish president, Romania getting a replacement for the Patriot system it donated to Ukraine, and so much more.ย
The post Slovakia’s Fico dre…
While both expressed support for Russian gas supplies, they diverged on Ukraine’s EU bid.
The post Orbรกn and Fico find common ground ahead of Davos appeared first on Euractiv.
In todayโs edition of the Capitals, find out more about experts warning about Smer’s dangerous rhetroic, Spain’s Sanchez taking aim at Trump, Musk and Zuckerberg, and so much more.ย
The post Illegal German waste dumping in Czech village lands at EUR…
But the chances of Slovakia actually leaving the EU are slim.
The post Experts warn of dangerous rhetoric as SMER MP questions Slovakiaโs EU future appeared first on Euractiv.
Also in this newsletter: Slovakiaโs premier Fico faces no-confidence vote over closeness with Russia
ECB rate-setter also warns that inflation risks are on the rise and that a January rate cut is not a done deal.
See if you can get 100 percent in our quiz.
If Herbert Kickl becomes chancellor, Vienna will join list of disruptive member states, putting EU policies in perilWhen Austriaโs Freedom party (FPร) entered government 25 years ago, shock waves reverberated around Europe. Punitive measures were impos…
The opposition in Bratislava is angling to topple the prime minister’s Russia-friendly administration.
Slovak opposition says Robert Fico’s trip was a “disgrace” to Slovakia.
In response to the backlash, the student pointed to Fico’s silence when his supporters hurled vulgar insults at former president Zuzana ฤaputovรก in 2022.
The post Fico government targets Slovak student over pro-Ukraine gesture appeared first on Euracti…
The opposition united to ‘save Slovakia’ from Fico’s increasing lurch east.
The post Fico faces backlash on Russia as Slovak opposition unites appeared first on Euractiv.
In todayโs edition of the Capitals, find out more about Slovakia’s opposition uniting against Fico, JxCat leader Carles Puigdemont ruling out joining forces with Partido Popular and Vox to oust Sanchez, and so much more.ย
The post Fico faces backlash o…
Herbert Kickl’s rise ends a firewall that has kept populist politicians out of power in EU countries for decades.
Mark Rutte says Ukraine not yet in the โposition of strengthโ it needs for talks with Russia; Biden says US and allies โcanโt walk awayโ. What we know on day 1,056Ukraine is not in a strong enough position for peace talks with Russia, Nato chief, Mark …
Ukraine’s leader took a personal jab at Robert Fico after the Slovakian PM threatened to cut Kyiv off from electricity exports.
Alexander Schallenberg reassures officials that pro-Russian chancellor would be restrained.
Robert Fico blamed his coalition partners for the crisis.
Thousands massed in a central square in Bratislava on Friday, chanting “We are Europe”, “We are ashamed of Fico” and “We will not give up on Slovakia”.
The post Thousands rally against Slovakia seeking closer Russia ties appeared first on Euractiv.
Protests erupt once more in Slovakia over Fico’s pro-Moscow stance
Also in this newsletter: Will Slovakia really cut off electricity supplies to Ukraine?
Slovakia ramps up anti-Zelenskyy rhetoric amid Russian gas transit spat
“We can stop all humanitarian aid,” he told reporters in Brussels.
The post Slovakia’s Fico doubles down on Ukraine threats over halted gas transit appeared first on Euractiv.
The Slovak prime minister has appealed to the EU to intervene in a growing row with Kyiv.
Since 1 January Slovakia has continued receiving gas coming via Hungary, which receives Russian gas via TurkStream
The post Fico says he secured gas supply for Slovakia in talks with Putin appeared first on Euractiv.
Vienna could be about to get its first far-right leader since World War II. Europe’s mainstream sees trouble brewing.
Their demand: either Ukraine resumes the transit of Russian gas westward or Slovakia should be compensated.
The post Slovaks to meet Commission without Ukrainians to discuss gas transit appeared first on Euractiv.
Far-right leader Herbert Kickl says he’s prepared for new elections if his party can’t find a submissive junior partner.
Claims Kyiv torpedoed talks on energy supplies don’t reflect reality, the country’s EU ambassador told POLITICO.
EU countries are behind on most, if not all, their sustainability commitments.
This short-term cancellation will not end efforts to improve relations between Kyiv and Bratislava.
The post Commission last-minute cancels Slovakia-Ukraine gas dispute talks appeared first on Euractiv.
A sprawling government corruption scandal from 2006 ended multiple political careers. Failure to punish the culprits ended public faith in the system.
Analysts say the Polish presidency is a key moment for Europe above all due to Trumpโs arrival and the situation in Ukraine but also issues related to the broader economy.
The post Poland takes over EU presidency with focus on security appeared first o…
Slovakia threatens to cut aid to Ukrainian refugees over end of Russian gas
Prime Minister Robert Fico said in a video message that his Smer party would consider cutting electricity supplies to Ukraine, adding that a Slovak delegation would discuss the situation in Brussels next Tuesday.
The post Slovakia brings its grievance…
A dispute between Slovakia and Ukraine over Russian natural gas transit has been escalating.
Explosions boomed across the morning sky as Ukraineโs air force warned of incoming drones. What we know on day 1,044See all our Ukraine war coverage Russia launched a New Yearโs Day drone strike on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv early on Wednesday, killing…
Top Putin ally has threatened to retaliate against Kyiv.
Although Europe has fought to wean itself off dependence on Russian gas since Putin sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022, several eastern European states still look to Moscow for much of their energy needs.
The post End of Russian gas via Ukraine …
5 totally not tongue-in-cheek reasons to be optimistic about the year ahead.
Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko also says Kyiv can buy electricity from Romania and Poland if it loses supplies from Bratislava.
Supplies of Russian gas via Ukraine are due to stop from the early hours of 1 January, as Kyiv has refused to negotiate a new transit deal.
The post Russian gas flows via Ukraine for last day as transit deal crumbles appeared first on Euractiv.
“Slovakia is part of the single European energy market and Fico must respect common EU rules,” Zelenskyy said, adding that cutting power supplies to Ukraine would deprive Slovakia of 19% of the electricity it imports. .
The post Zelenskyy hits back at …
Diplomatic spat between Slovakia and Ukraine continues.
Claim from FSB comes two weeks after Ukrainian assassination of senior Russian general Igor KirillovOn 8 March 2023, International Womenโs Day, Russian soldiers were handing out tulips and boughs of mimosa to women and girls in the city of Melitopol, s…
“If it is unavoidable, we will halt the electricity supplies that Ukraine needs during grid outages. Or we will agree on a different course of action,” said Robert Fico.
The post Slovakia to consider reciprocal measures if Ukraine stops Russian gas tra…
Kyiv reports heavy casualties among Pyongyangโs soldiers in Russia while Washington accuses generals of seeing the troops as โexpendableโ. What we know on day 1,039See all our Ukraine war coverageNorth Korean troops deployed in Russiaโs Kursk region ar…
Putin open to accepting NATO member Slovakia as ‘neutral site’ for Ukraine peace talks
Putin said Thursday that Slovakia had offered to be a “platform” for possible peace talks. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is close to the Kremlin.
Putin said that Fico, an outspoken opponent of EU support for Ukraine, had offered his country as to host talks between Russia and Ukraine.
The post Putin says Slovakia could host peace talks with Ukraine appeared first on Euractiv.
Nato chief Mark Rutte criticises all attacks on critical infrastructure; Putin says Slovakia has offered to be โplatformโ for any peace talks. What we know on day 1,038See all our Ukraine war coverage Continue reading…
“Why not?” Russian president asked reporters. “For us it’s an acceptable alternative.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticised Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico for his stance on Russian gas imports, accusing him of helping President Vladimir Putin fund the war in Ukraine. This comes after Ficoโs visit to Moscow, where he …
Ukraine president criticises world leaders for doing โalmost nothingโ to counteract Moscowโs military cooperation with Pyongyang. What we know on day 1,035Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that more than 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wound…
Zelenskyy slams Slovakia’s PM Robert Fico following a controversial visit to meet Putin in Moscow
Fico wants to help Putin earn money to fund the war and weaken Europe, says Zelenskyy.
Slovakia, which heavily relies on Russian gas, has raised concerns about the prospect of losing supplies as a contract allowing its transit through Ukraine expires by year-end.
The post Slovak PM Fico on surprise visit to Kremlin to talk gas deliveries…
Slovakia is dependent on gas passing through neighbouring Ukraine, and it has ramped up efforts to maintain those flows from 2025, after a five-year agreement expiresSee all our Ukraine coverageRussian president, Vladimir Putin met the Slovakian prime …
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Sunday, discussing gas transit and the war in Ukraine, as Kyiv signals it will not renew a key gas deal with Slovakia. The visit, condemned by Slovak oppos…