Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has called on the European Union not to compete with China through tariffs and trade barriers, but rather to strive to be more competitive through its own achievements. After meeting with the President of the European Council, António Costa, in Bratislava, he emphasized that he does not consider China an enemy.
Fico stated that Slovakia is concerned about the ability of the European Union to compete globally. However, he believes that increased competitiveness should not be based on imposing new tariffs or other trade barriers.
"I do not believe that we should fight against China by building walls and treating it as an enemy," said the Slovak Prime Minister. He added that the European Union should compete with China "in a friendly spirit" and focus on becoming better and more efficient.
Fico's meeting with Costa also covered relations with China. Both leaders discussed the future long-term budget of the European Union, competitiveness, energy prices, and further expansion of the European bloc.
Slovakia wants a strong cohesion and agricultural policy
Regarding the future EU budget, Fico emphasized that Slovakia supports maintaining a strong cohesion policy, which aims to reduce disparities between different regions of the Union.
According to the Slovak Prime Minister, additional funds should also be sought for countries in the eastern part of the European Union, especially those bordering Ukraine.
Fico identified a strong common agricultural policy as another important priority for Slovakia.
Fico rejects exceptions for EU accession
One of the topics discussed was the further expansion of the European Union. Fico reiterated Slovakia's support for countries seeking membership, but also emphasized that all candidate countries must meet the same criteria.
"No exceptions and no shortcuts. This applies to Ukraine as well," he stated.
According to Fico, Ukraine should not skip ahead of countries such as Montenegro, Albania, or Serbia in the accession process, which have been preparing for membership in the European Union for a much longer time.
During the meeting, the Slovak Prime Minister linked several issues that he considers crucial for the future direction of the European Union: competitiveness without new trade barriers, a strong cohesion and agricultural policy, and equal rules for EU expansion.
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