Limitless cooperation: Stocker and Fico strengthen EU bonds!

Limitless cooperation: Stocker and Fico strengthen EU bonds!

In late Tuesday afternoon, Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) received the Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico for a bilateral job interview. This was the first meeting of the two heads of the government since Fico's return to politics after the parliamentary election in autumn 2023. During the exchange, various significant topics were discussed, including the upcoming preparations for the European Council, the situation in Ukraine in the context of the continuing Russian war of aggression and the increasing tensions in the Middle East. In addition, the two prime ministers discussed the strengthening of the competitiveness of Europe and migration policy issues.

Both heads of government underlined support for an EU perspective for the states of the Western Balkans. Slovakia is a member of the "Friends of the Western Balkans" platform initiated by Austria, which is intended to further strengthen the common regional stability and European integration. Stocker emphasized the close cooperation between Austria and Slovakia as the cornerstone of European engagement. Fico described the relationships between the two countries as a success story that has grown over more than three decades.

cultural and economic connections

The cultural, historical and economic connections between Austria and Slovakia are strongly pronounced. Almost 40,000 people commute from Slovakia to Austria, and Austria is one of the largest investors in Slovakia with an investment volume of around seven billion euros. Fico emphasized that cooperation in cross -border projects, especially in the areas of transport and energy infrastructure as well as in the area of ​​emergency services, is to be expanded.

fico was last in Austria in August 2017 and has also pursued a controversial foreign policy since then as part of his political activities. Among other things, his previous government hired state military aid to Ukraine and introduced reforms in the areas of justice, media and culture that were viewed critically in many. Fico was also the only head of the EU in Moscow on May 9th.

The situation in Ukraine

parallel to the conversations between Stocker and Fico, the debate about the EU accession is in Ukraine. Ukraine has triggered numerous reforms since the official application for access to February 28, 2022 to advance the EU candidacy. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will travel to Ukraine on Wednesday to inform about the progress in these reforms. The EU heads of state and government should decide in December whether the accession negotiations can begin, whereby Ukraine still has to meet some conditions, especially in the area of ​​corruption control.

Although great progress has already been made, the situation in Ukraine is still tense. The latest attacks in the regions of Cherson and Saporischschja led to several dead and injured. President Selenskyj has also deducted the commander of the military special forces, which is a reaction to the changing war dynamics. The new commander, Colonel Serhij Lupantschuk, is considered an experienced officer.

Negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU are complex. According to the EU Commission's recommendation, numerous chapters must continue to be treated before an accession contract can be drawn up and ratified. Austria and Slovakia are united in their commitment to Ukraine and the state's EU perspective, but it remains to be seen how the political conditions will develop.

Overall, the conversations between Stocker and Fico mark an important step towards stable cooperation in Europe, especially with regard to the challenges that arise from the Ukraine conflict.