Foreign policy of Robert Fico
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The foreign policy of Robert Fico, spanning four mandates as Prime Minister of Slovakia (2006–2010, 2012–2016, 2016–2018, and 2023–present), has evolved from a pragmatic, pro-European integrationist stance into a confrontational doctrine defined as "sovereign Slovak foreign policy".
In his earlier terms, Fico positioned Slovakia within the "core" of the European Union by overseeing the country's entry into the Schengen Area in 2007 and the adoption of the Euro in 2009. During this period, he maintained standard Euro-Atlantic alignments while fostering stable, energy-focused relations with Russia and cooperative regional ties within the Visegrád Group alongside the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary.
Since his return to power in 2023, however, his administration has shifted toward a "politics of the four corners of the world," characterized by a vocal skepticism of Western military aid to Ukraine and a push to "normalize" relations with Moscow. This pivot has seen Slovakia strengthen strategic economic partnerships with China, particularly through major green-energy investments, while expanding diplomatic outreach to Global South nations such as Brazil, India, and Vietnam.
While Fico asserts that Slovakia remains anchored in the EU and NATO, his frequent ideological alignment with Hungary's Viktor Orbán and his criticism of Brussels' sanctions have led to significant friction with European allies, marking a transition from institutional reliability to a multi-vector, "Slovakia First" approach.
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(2006–2010)
(2012–2016) (2016–2018) (2023–present)
Political Parties
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Libya
In February 2007, Fico became one of the few European leaders to visit Libya, where he held official talks with Muammar Gaddafi to discuss bilateral cooperation and economic ties. The meeting took place in Gaddafi's Bedouin tent, where Fico spent approximately thirty minutes in private discussion with the leader. During the visit, Fico emphasized the importance of energy security and explored potential deals involving Slovak construction companies and Libyan oil resources. Reports from the trip also noted that, Fico specifically shared interest in the "fight against imperialism".[1][2]
However, the meeting drew significant criticism from international human rights organizations and domestic political opponents who questioned the ethics of engaging with Gaddafi's regime. Despite the backlash, Fico defended the diplomatic mission as a pragmatic effort to advance Slovakia's national economic interests and diversify its energy imports.
In later years, particularly during the 2011 Libyan Civil War, Fico maintained a critical stance toward Western military intervention, arguing that the destabilization of the country would lead to increased migration and regional insecurity.[3]
Americas
Brazil
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In December 2024, Fico conducted an official state visit to Brazil, marking the first visit by a Slovak head of government to the country. During the trip, Fico met with Vice President Geraldo Alckmin to sign bilateral agreements concerning defense cooperation, cybersecurity, and the avoidance of double taxation.[4]
The visit also involved discussions on international diplomacy, where Fico expressed support for the Brazil-China "Friends for Peace" initiative regarding the war in Ukraine. Additionally, Slovakia formally joined the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, a flagship project of Brazil's G20 presidency.[5][6]
In May 2025, Fico and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva met in Moscow during the commemorations for the 80th anniversary of Victory Day. The meeting focused on bilateral relations and the potential for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.
Cuba
In January 2007 and 2008, Fico attended a reception at the Cuban Embassy in Bratislava to mark the anniversary of the Cuban Revolution. He argued that such attendance was a sign of respect for a sovereign nation, stating that "even with countries on whose procedures we may have different views, it is necessary to conduct a dialogue".[7]
In October 2015, during his second term, Fico became the first Slovak Prime Minister to visit the island, where he met with Raúl Castro to sign agreements on debt settlement and energy cooperation.[8]
Fico has been a vocal opponent of the U.S. economic blockade of Cuba, describing it as an ineffective and "senseless" policy. He has consistently argued that "Cuba has never threatened anyone, it has only wanted to live its own life", and that the island should not be punished for its choice of political system. Upon the death of Fidel Castro, Fico praised the leader as a "bearer of courage".[9]
Following his resignation as Prime Minister, Fico traveled to Cuba in October 2018 as a member of the National Council. The visit focused on bilateral economic cooperation, specifically regarding Slovak involvement in the modernization of the Mariel thermal power plant and other energy sector projects.[10]
In January 2026, Fico met with Cuban Vice-Premier Oscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga in Bratislava to discuss deepening economic ties. During the meeting, Fico stated that the Slovak Republic and Cuba are not disturbed by "any unresolved political issues," and that both nations share an interest in developing "friendly and mutually beneficial economic relations in a spirit of mutual respect". Fico stated that a primary goal of his administration is the "more significant involvement of Slovak entrepreneurs in the opportunities created in Cuba by a number of reform measures".[11]
United States
In November 2013, Fico traveled to Washington, D.C., where he was hosted by U.S. president Barack Obama. The two leaders held talks centered on the long-standing U.S.–Slovak partnership. During the visit, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Fico said the relationship is "firmly rooted in shared democratic values and principles." The meetings served not only to reinforce existing ties but also to underscore mutual commitment to democratic governance and security cooperation. Concluding the highly successful engagement, Prime Minister Fico unequivocally reaffirmed the enduring strategic partnership between Slovakia and the United States.[12]
During Fico's third term, Slovakia initiated the procurement of 14 U.S.-made Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets to replace its Soviet MiG-29 fleet. The formal agreement was finalized in late 2018 for approximately €1.6 billion, marking the largest military purchase in the country's history.[13] Following Fico's return to office in 2023, his administration oversaw the delivery of the first aircraft to Slovak soil in July 2024.[14] This acquisition remains a central component of Slovakia's defense strategy and its commitment to NATO technical standards.
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In February 2025, Fico was a confirmed speaker at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) held in National Harbor, Maryland. During his address, Fico endorsed U.S. President Donald Trump. He commended President Trump's "energy in negotiations on Ukraine," stating Trump had taken a constructive approach to seeking an end to the conflict. Fico stated that President Trump was providing a "great service to Europe by bringing the truth" to the continent's current political climate. Fico also said in his speech that Russia had "serious security reasons for the war".[15]
Fico visited the gravesite of U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Michael Strank in Arlington National Cemetery on 21 February 2025 to honour a Slovak native who fought and died as an American hero in World War II. Strank was one of the six Iwo Jima flag raisers in the iconic Iwo Jima photograph, and was specifically honored because he was born in the village of Jarabina in present-day Slovakia before immigrating to the U.S. as a child. Fico laid flowers at the gravesite of the Slovak-born American hero, acknowledging the transatlantic military and historical connection.[16][17]
In January 2026, Fico criticized U.S. intervention in Venezuela, characterizing it as a violation of international law and reflecting the broader decline of the post-World War II global order. He emphasized his strong opposition, stating that he "resolutely rejects" such violations of international norms. Fico drew parallels to his earlier positions on the 2003 invasion of Iraq and Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine.[18][19]
In January 2026, Fico met with U.S. President Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida to discuss bilateral cooperation and global security.[20] During the visit, the two leaders held talks regarding a major partnership in civil nuclear energy, centered on the construction of a new 1,200-megawatt reactor at the Jaslovské Bohunice Nuclear Power Plant. This project, which involves the U.S. company Westinghouse, is estimated to cost approximately €15 billion, representing the largest infrastructure investment in Slovak history.[21] Fico emphasized that the deal is a milestone for Slovak energy sovereignty and strengthens the strategic economic ties between the two nations.
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In February 2026, Fico hosted U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Bratislava. The two leaders discussed the implementation of the Westinghouse nuclear deal and regional security within the framework of the Slovakia–United States strategic partnership. Fico characterized the meeting as a sign of mutual respect, emphasizing that the high-level dialogue underscored a new era of cooperation between the two nations. During a joint press conference, Fico explicitly outlined his "Slovakia first" approach to the partnership, stating that while the two nations are allies, his primary duty is to protect Slovak national interests.[22] He confirmed Slovakia's intent to expand its F-16 procurement from 14 to 18 aircraft to further bolster national defense.[23]
Following the U.S. military strike on Iran, Fico criticized the dominance of great powers, stating that "the big and powerful do as they please, while we, the small, can only watch and grumble".[24]
Asia
China
Fico has actively pursued closer ties with China, which is Slovakia's largest trading partner outside the European Union. During a November 2024 visit, he and President Xi Jinping agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a strategic partnership and signed 13 cooperation documents.[25][26] Fico's government supports China's "all-azimuth diplomacy" approach, prioritizing economic cooperation in areas like new energy and infrastructure. He has publicly opposed EU tariffs on China-made electric vehicles, seeking Chinese investment like the Gotion battery plant in Slovakia.[27][28]
On sensitive political issues, Fico's government consistently adheres to the "one China policy" and, regarding Tibet and human rights, the joint statement from his November 2024 visit opposed the "politicization and instrumentalization of human rights issues" and interference in internal affairs.[29] This stance is consistent with Fico's past actions, such as when he criticized a predecessor for meeting the Dalai Lama.[30]
Fico aligns with China's diplomatic efforts regarding the Ukraine conflict, commending Beijing's position as "fair, objective, and constructive," and publicly expressing Slovakia's readiness to join the China–Brazil "Friends for Peace" initiative.[6]
In September 2025, he was the only leader of an EU member state to take part in the commemorative events marking the 80th anniversary of the Chinese people's victory in the War of Resistance against Japan and the end of World War II in Beijing.
Israel
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Fico has maintained a long-standing and significant diplomatic relationship with Israel, demonstrated through various official actions and meetings. During his 2007 official visit to Israel, Fico met with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to discuss expanding economic and research cooperation between the two countries. Fico also confirmed Slovakia's readiness to support the imposition of UN sanctions on Iran.[31]
In July 2017, Fico engaged with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a Visegrad Four summit in Budapest, where their bilateral discussions centered on deepening cooperation in innovation, the automotive sector, and defense technology.[32]
In October 2023, Fico condemned the Hamas-led attack on Israel but also stated "we cannot tolerate thousands of dead Palestinian civilians, as collateral damage".[33] In December 2023, Fico criticized the European Union's "hypocrisy," claiming that the organization was unwilling to openly discuss the extensive civilian death toll in the Gaza Strip.[34]
Fico, held a telephone conversation with Netanyahu, in June 2025 where he offered diplomatic support and provided insight into Slovakia's policy positions. Specifically, Fico expressed his welcome for the "hard-won ceasefire" that brought an end to the Twelve-Day War between Iran and Israel. He underscored Slovakia's commitment to diplomatic methods, stating clearly that his nation opposes any proposals within the EU to suspend the EU–Israel Association Agreement. Fico justified this stance by emphasizing the necessity of maintaining open communication channels, commenting that shutting down dialogue is unacceptable, citing the situation with the Russian Federation as a negative example. In concluding his statement, Fico affirmed that mutual communication would continue, characterizing the relationship between Slovakia and Israel as "constructive, rooted in our shared history," and notably mentioning the presence of a large Slovak diaspora living in Israel.[35][36]
South Korea
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The strategic relationship during the Fico administrations between Slovakia and South Korea is built upon nearly two decades of expanding cooperation, anchored by major economic investment and a deepening focus on energy security.
The relationship's foundation was cemented by the Kia Motors factory in Žilina, with Fico personally attending the Grand Opening Ceremony in April 2007. Reflecting on the investment's significance, Fico declared, "The government and the people of Slovakia will continue to provide full support to Kia's activities and growth in Europe and we look forward to a long and fruitful partnership".[37] This robust economic base quickly led to Fico's first official visit to Seoul later that year, where his primary counterpart was President Roh Moo-hyun. Fico also held talks with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo.[38]
Diplomatic ties broadened in 2015, when Fico, as part of the Visegrád Group, met with President Park Geun-hye to discuss enhanced cooperation, notably including early discussions on nuclear energy collaboration.[39]
Leading up to his second visit, Fico underscored the necessity of the alliance, stating, "South Korea is a country with which we have smooth political relations, it is a country that is an important investor in Slovakia".[40] Consequently, nearly two decades after the initial factory opening, the long-standing political relationship was formally elevated in 2024 when Fico and President Yoon Suk-yeol signed the nations' first strategic partnership agreement on 30 September 2024. This alliance formalizes cooperation across critical sectors like trade, investment, and defense, placing a particular and central emphasis on solidifying collaboration in the nuclear energy sector.[41]
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