Fico Hails Trump Talks, Slovakia Eyes US Nuclear Deal, Rejects 'Brussels Parrot' Label

Fico's Meeting with Donald Trump

• 🤝 Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico met with Donald Trump in an informal setting at his Florida residence, viewed as a sign of high respect and trust.
• 💬 Discussions covered international topics, particularly the Ukraine war, where US officials were interested in Slovakia's sovereign views, acknowledging they are "not a Brussels parrot."
• 🕊️ Fico reiterated Slovakia's peaceful stance on the Ukraine war, emphasizing that diplomacy and dialogue must precede military solutions.

Slovakia's Foreign Policy and EU Stance

• 🌍 Fico highlighted Slovakia's sovereign foreign policy oriented "to all four cardinal directions," which he believes brings positive results and avoids international isolation.
• 🇪🇺 The meeting included an assessment of the European Union, with agreement that the institution is in a "deep crisis" regarding competitiveness, energy, and migration policies.
• 🛂 Slovakia's active foreign policy has contributed to successes like visa-free travel to China and a strong Slovak passport.

Advancing Nuclear Energy Cooperation

• ⚡ A key focus was the intergovernmental agreement on civil nuclear cooperation between the United States and Slovakia.
• 💡 Both countries recognize that nuclear energy is fundamental for addressing serious energy challenges, rather than relying solely on wind turbines or photovoltaics.
• 🏗️ Slovakia plans to build a state-owned nuclear reactor of up to 1,200 MW at Jaslovské Bohunice, with Westinghouse Electric as a potential contractor, estimated to cost €15 billion by 2040.

Economic and Energy Security

• 💰 The new nuclear block will be financed by foreign investments, ensuring that Slovak citizens' wallets will not be burdened.
• ✅ This project aims to guarantee stable and affordable electricity prices for households without requiring state budget subsidies.
• 🇵🇱 Fico noted that Poland is also pursuing its first nuclear power plant in cooperation with the United States, countering domestic criticism.

Critiques and Future Vision

• 🗣️ Fico criticized the opposition and media for what he called "spiritual pearls" of envy, hatred, and ignorance, rejecting claims of international isolation.
• ⏳ He asserted that Slovakia's decision to pursue civil nuclear programs, like the past completion of Mochovce blocks, is "timeless" and crucial for energy security.
• 🎁 As a gesture, Fico presented Trump with a Slovak postage stamp featuring Michal Strank, a US Marine of Slovak origin who raised the American flag on Iwo Jima.