Fico: We will never agree to changes leading to the abolition of the veto right in the EU

Bratislava – The Slovak Republic will never agree to any changes to fundamental treaties that would lead to the abolition of the veto power of EU member states. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated this in response to a journalist’s question after a meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in Bratislava on Monday. According to Fico, the abolition of the veto power would be a step towards the dissolution of the EU, TASR reports.

“I personally believe that the European Union is a good living space for us, however, the developments we are currently observing in the European Union are not the most favorable, and we will have to deal with many challenges, such as the question of abolishing the veto power. I cannot imagine that the EU would function on the principle of decision-making by large strong states,” Fico said.

According to him, it is important for the functioning of the EU to respect the sovereignty of member states. He also considers it important for countries and their leaders not to be afraid to express their opinions, even if they are different.

“We do not go there (to the EU Council meeting) just to shout no. We always have some proposal… These proposals are in the interest of the European Union and are not against the European Union,” he said.

According to him, the greatest danger for the EU would be if it were made up of governments “that would agree to a single mandatory political opinion that is currently fashionable in the European Union.”

Orbán pointed out in this context that the abolition of the veto power would mean the end of the sovereignty of nations. “Currently, various subtle changes in competencies are depriving member countries of their powers, and we do not want that. We want Brussels to show us the same respect as all member countries, not only symbolically but also by taking our interests into account,” he stated. (April 28)

“The developments we are currently observing in the European Union are not the most favorable, and we will have to deal with many challenges, such as the question of abolishing the veto power. I cannot imagine that the EU would function on the principle of decision-making by large strong states.” Robert Fico