Slovak PM Fico Suggests NATO Neutrality Ahead of Defense Spending Summit

Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico has sparked debate by suggesting that Slovakia, a NATO and EU member, might benefit from adopting a neutral stance amid rising defense tensions and NATO's push to increase military spending. Although Fico has not proposed any formal plan to exit NATO, he criticized the arms buildup and questioned the necessity of increasing militarization against Russia, highlighting Slovakia's cessation of official military aid to Ukraine. He emphasized that any decision on neutrality or NATO withdrawal would require parliamentary approval, and such a move would be complex, as no NATO member has left the alliance since its inception. Fico's pro-Russian positions and opposition to Western policies on Ukraine have put him at odds with many European leaders and drawn sharp criticism from Slovak politicians, including President Peter Pellegrini, who reaffirmed Slovakia's commitment to NATO and collective defense decisions. The upcoming NATO summit will focus on increasing defense spending targets, an agenda Fico regards with skepticism, calling for gradual increases aimed at dual military and civilian use. His remarks reflect broader tensions within Slovakia's political landscape about its future role in European security and its relationship with both Russia and Western alliances.