Overview

• On June 17, Fico proposed on Facebook that Slovakia consider neutrality or leave NATO, likening the alliance to a “golf club”
• He labeled U.S. President Trump’s push for members to spend 5% of GDP on defense as “absurd,” noting Slovakia already meets the 2% target
• NATO officials will discuss raising defense spending when ministers convene in The Hague on June 24–25
• Opposition parties and President Peter Pellegrini condemned Fico’s plan, warning that neutrality could cost more than current alliance membership
• Since returning to power in October 2023, Fico has halted military aid to Ukraine and deepened ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin