Slovakia supports Serbia's EU accession process

Fico, who is in the capital Belgrade for an official visit, met with President Vucic.

Speaking at a joint press conference following bilateral and inter-delegation meetings held behind closed doors, Fico stated that the EU should be grateful to Serbia for protecting its borders.

WE MADE DECISIONS UNDER PRESSURE

Stating that Slovakia will support Serbia's EU accession negotiations, Fico continued as follows:

"Slovakia is ready to share the experiences it gained during this process. There were tragic mistakes we made in the process that resulted in Slovakia's accession to the EU in 2004. For example, we made decisions that weakened our energy security. We know that such decisions made under pressure would never be made in another situation."

"WE DO NOT WANT TENSIONS TO ESCALATE"

Fico stated that tensions have escalated in the Russia-Ukraine War and that being neighbors with Ukraine affects them, saying, "We do not want tensions to escalate, and I think this increasing tension is proof that the West has no interest in ending this conflict."

"WE WANT PEACE"

Serbian President Vucic also expressed in his speech that there are opportunities for greater cooperation between the two countries in many areas, especially energy.

Noting that they want peace to be achieved in the war between Russia and Ukraine, Vucic said, "Some decisions taken only fueled the flames of war and were not beneficial to any side. We want peace; we are not ashamed of this word, we are proud of it, and we will continue to pursue our policy in this way."

"I WILL NOT BOW TO THREATS"

Referring to the protests supported by the opposition regarding the accident at the train station in Novi Sad, in northern Serbia, which resulted in the deaths of 15 people, Vucic stated that the government must resist pressures from society and that he himself will not bow to threats.