Slovak MEP and government advisor Erik Kaliňák has laid out a radical vision for Slovakia’s future, openly questioning NATO’s survival, rejecting EU military support for Ukraine, and advocating for Slovakia’s disengagement from Western security structures. In a striking shift from established European positions, he dismissed Ukraine’s role in continental security as an “absolute fallacy,” warned that Western aid would not alter the war’s outcome, and signalled readiness for a post-NATO Europe. At home, he painted a picture of a nation under siege, alleging foreign-backed coup attempts, accusing NGOs of subversion, and pushing for sweeping restrictions on civil society. His hard-line rhetoric comes as Slovakia’s government tightens control, with growing concerns over media freedom and the politicisation of security agencies. With the country’s diplomatic credibility at stake and its alliances in question, the vision of Kaliňák and Fico’s cabinet presents a stark dilemma: is Slovakia charting a course towards strategic irrelevance?
Erik Kaliňák is a Slovak MEP and chief government advisor in Fico’s ruling Smer party. In a recent interview, he has openly opposed EU military aid to Ukraine, questioned NATO’s future, and advocated for Slovakia’s diplomatic disengagement from Western security structures. His confrontational approach extends beyond foreign policy—he has been accused of attempting to intimidate journalists, in 2024 calling for the Slovak Intelligence Service to investigate reporters’ finances. Controversy also surrounds his engagement with Voice of Europe, a now-banned pro-Russian media platform, which Czech authorities identified as part of a Russian influence operation financing politicians across Europe. While Kaliňák denies wrongdoing, his name appeared on a list of politicians given a platform by Voice of Europe, alongside other Slovak and European figures linked to pro-Russian narratives.
The prospect of NATO’s disintegration was a central theme in Erik Kaliňák’s assessment of Slovakia’s security future. He argued that if the United States withdraws from the alliance, Europe will be forced to reassess its defence strategy, suggesting that an EU-led security framework would naturally emerge to replace NATO. While he did not advocate for Slovakia to take any unilateral steps towards withdrawal, he stated that “it is politically correct to be prepared.” His remarks came in the context of broader uncertainties in transatlantic relations, particularly with Donald Trump’s decision to halt military aid to Ukraine.
Kaliňák expressed scepticism about the prevailing European narrative that Ukraine’s struggle is essential for the continent’s security, dismissing the notion as an “absolute fallacy.” He pointed out that Slovakia has openly rejected direct military engagement in Ukraine and that its exclusion from informal European security summits was a consequence of its firm stance. Slovakia’s diplomatic strategy, he asserted, focuses on participating in formal EU security discussions rather than what he described as politically driven, informal gatherings that prioritise Ukraine over broader European security concerns.
Regarding military assistance to Ukraine, Kaliňák emphasised that Slovakia’s position remains unchanged: all forms of aid should be voluntary, not imposed at the EU level. He strongly opposed the idea of confiscating frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s war effort, calling it a reckless step that could set a dangerous precedent in international financial relations. He further warned that continued Western support for Ukraine would not alter the war’s trajectory, predicting that Ukraine will ultimately lose significant territory while hosting foreign troops on its soil.
Kaliňák was equally dismissive of suggestions that Slovakia should actively seek inclusion in high-level European security meetings, particularly those convened by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. He argued that Slovakia has no interest in participating in these forums, as its opposition to the dominant EU security agenda is well known. Instead, he underscored that Slovakia will bring its priorities to the upcoming EU summit, where all member states will be present.
On the topic of defence spending, Kaliňák acknowledged the necessity of modernising Slovakia’s military but advocated for a more strategic allocation of resources. Rather than prioritising heavy military equipment, he called for investments in dual-use infrastructure, such as transport and logistics, arguing that these measures would enhance national defence capabilities while also serving civilian needs. He maintained that Slovakia remains a responsible NATO member and rejected claims that the country is undermining its commitments to the alliance.
Slovakia’s broader diplomatic approach also came under scrutiny. While other European leaders discuss long-term military assistance for Ukraine, Kaliňák reiterated his government’s position that negotiations and an immediate ceasefire should take precedence. He criticised the shift in Western rhetoric from outright military victory to securing a so-called “just and lasting peace,” calling it a rhetorical exercise designed to avoid acknowledging the need for immediate diplomacy. Slovakia, he said, would not contribute to any new collective European funding mechanisms for Ukraine, reaffirming that its policy decisions will remain strictly sovereign.
Coup Allegations, NGO Crackdown, and Political Infighting
Transitioning to domestic affairs, Kaliňák addressed accusations that Slovakia was the target of a foreign-backed coup attempt. He claimed that intelligence services uncovered a detailed plan aimed at escalating anti-government protests into outright efforts to paralyse state institutions. While he did not provide evidence of a direct link to foreign governments, he identified the Georgian Legion—a paramilitary group fighting in Ukraine—as a key actor. The government responded by expelling one Ukrainian national and denying entry to ten Georgian individuals, while an investigation into the alleged financing of subversive activities through NGOs remains ongoing.
Slovakia’s security apparatus, Kaliňák insisted, has taken significant preventive measures to counter these threats. In addition to strengthening cyber defences against suspected foreign-backed hacking attempts, authorities have reportedly increased protection of strategic infrastructure, including government buildings, transportation hubs, and digital networks. He linked these efforts to broader European trends, suggesting that external actors have been actively attempting to destabilise governments through hybrid warfare tactics.
The role of NGOs in Slovak politics was another contentious issue raised in the interview. Kaliňák accused certain civil society organisations of acting as conduits for foreign influence, particularly in financing anti-government demonstrations. He reaffirmed the government’s intention to push forward legislation requiring greater transparency in NGO funding, arguing that increased oversight is necessary to protect national sovereignty. He dismissed criticism that such measures would weaken civil society, maintaining that Slovakia must safeguard itself against external interference.
Kaliňák also weighed in on the ongoing political instability within the ruling coalition, downplaying tensions but acknowledging that unresolved disputes could lead to early elections. He expressed frustration with independent MPs who left the coalition but continue to influence parliamentary dynamics, warning that if the government cannot function effectively, Slovakia may need to return to the polls sooner than anticipated. However, he stated that Prime Minister Robert Fico remains committed to maintaining a parliamentary majority, even as discussions with disaffected lawmakers continue.
Looking ahead, Kaliňák outlined the government’s legislative priorities once parliament reconvenes. He highlighted planned reforms targeting NGO financing transparency and reiterated the administration’s commitment to its broader policy agenda. Despite opposition criticism, he projected confidence that the coalition will stabilise, ensuring that key initiatives move forward.
Throughout the interview, Kaliňák maintained a firm stance on Slovakia’s independent foreign policy direction, arguing that the country must resist pressure to conform to dominant EU and NATO narratives. His remarks reinforced the government’s broader shift towards a more assertive, sovereignty-driven approach, both in domestic governance and in international affairs. As European security dynamics continue to evolve, Slovakia’s position remains a subject of intense debate, with its leadership standing resolutely against what it perceives as external interference in national decision-making.
