Czech and Slovak Prime Ministers Warn EU of Decline and Urge Dialogue with Russia

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš told the Financial Times that the European Union is heading toward an economic abyss, likening its trajectory to the fall of the Roman Empire. He criticised the EU’s push for rapid “green‑energy” decarbonisation and noted that the Czech Republic is unlikely to reach the NATO‑mandated 2 % of GDP defence spending target in 2026, projecting a 1.78 % level instead.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico issued a video message condemning war‑like rhetoric about the EU‑Russia conflict, calling it irresponsible and urging European leaders to pursue dialogue rather than escalation. He referenced a recent drone incident in Romania that injured two people, highlighting the lack of clear attribution and warning that premature blame could heighten tensions. Russian President Vladimir Putin offered an independent investigation of the drone, insisting on access to the wreckage for forensic analysis.