Bratislava, Slovakia – Slovakia has refused to participate in the European initiative to establish a “special tribunal” against Russia over the war in Ukraine, a move reflecting the continuing divisions within the European Union regarding how to deal with Moscow. This comes amid escalating legal and political pressure against Russia.
Slovak MEP Luboš Blaga said his country would not join the tribunal the EU is seeking to establish. He also criticized the project, describing it as an attempt to politicize the judiciary and use it as a tool against Russia.
Blaga added that the Slovak government maintains a clear position of rejecting any steps that could escalate tensions with Moscow. He emphasized that Bratislava prefers political and diplomatic solutions to escalation.
This stance comes as the European Union continues its efforts to establish a special legal mechanism to investigate what it calls “Russian crimes of aggression” within Ukrainian territory. Several European countries support the initiative.
The Slovak decision reflects the continuation of Prime Minister Robert Fico’s policy, known for his less hawkish stance towards Russia compared to many other European leaders. He has previously criticized Western sanctions and military support for Ukraine.
Slovakia also fears the economic repercussions of any further escalation with Moscow, particularly regarding energy and gas supplies. This has led to frequent disagreements within EU institutions in recent times.
