23rd Annual Review Conference on the Foreign and European Policy of the Slovak Republic
23rd Annual Review Conference on the Foreign and European Policy of the Slovak Republic
The Annual Review Conference on the Foreign and European Policy of SR is a platform that holds a distinctive position in public foreign policy debate. It is a space where those who bear constitutional and political responsibility for the foreign policy of this country regularly meet with those who are not indifferent to Slovakia's foreign policy. The standard of the event is a broad participation of the diplomatic corps. Traditionally, the event is attended by the highest constitutional officials.
The conference is organized with the kind support of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, the British Embassy, and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
We are pleased to welcome MPs and MEPs, and experts from Slovak think-tanks among the speakers.
The main topics of the conference will be issues of foreign policy consensus in Slovakia, a discussion on the future and reform of the European Union from the Slovak perspective, and current security challenges in Europe, including NATO’s position in the region.
PROGRAM
9:20 – 9:30
Opening remarks
Juraj Stern, Chairman of the SFPA Board of Directors
9:35 – 11:00
PANEL I: Foreign policy consensus – does it exist or not?
Chair Pavol Demeš, Member of the Board of Directors, Slovak Foreign Policy Association
Panelists Marián Kéry, Chairman, Foreign Affairs Committee, National Council of the SR Ján Kubiš, Foreign Affairs and International Politics Advisor to the President of the SR Tomáš Valášek, Vice-Chairman, Foreign Affairs Committee, National Council of the SR
11:20 – 12:40
PANEL II: EU reform – what kind of EU for Slovakia?
Chair Miroslava Pisklová, Analyst, Slovak Foreign Policy Association
Panelists Aneta Világi, Political Scientist, Dpt of Political Science, Comenius University Radovan Geist, Publisher, Euractiv.sk Radovan Ďurana, Analyst, Institute of Economic and Social Studies
12:40 – 13:50
Luncheon
14:00 – 15:30
PANEL III: Security in Europe and NATO
Chair Eva Mihočková, Editor,zahranicnapolitika.sk
Panelists Miriam Lexmann, Member of the EP, European People’s Party Alexander Duleba, Analyst, Slovak Foreign Policy Association Vladimír Bednár, Security Policy and Defense Planning Analysts
15:35
Concluding remarks
Tomáš Strážay, Director, Slovak Foreign Policy Association
Conclusions and Recommendations of the 23rd Annual Conference on Slovak Foreign and European Policy
The 23rd Annual Conference on Slovak Foreign and European Policy, held in 2024, addressed several problematic aspects and brought forth important insights and recommendations regarding the current state and future direction of Slovakia’s foreign and European policy.
Panel 1: Foreign Policy Consensus in Slovakia The discussion in the first panel revealed a notable absence of foreign policy consensus in Slovakia. There is a lack of a unified vision not only among political parties but also within the governing coalition and the democratic opposition. Panelists emphasized the need to restore strategic unity and actively shape Slovakia’s role as a trustworthy partner within the European Union and NATO.
Panel 2: Reforming the European Union The second panel focused on the reform of the European Union. Panelists agreed that reform is essential to strengthen the EU’s ability to address current challenges such as the climate crisis, the war in Ukraine, and global economic competition. Topics included changes to EU decision-making processes, strengthening the powers of the European Parliament, more effective protection of the rule of law, and harmonization of tax regulations. It was concluded that Slovakia should play a more active role in shaping the future of the Union.
Panel 3: European Security and NATO The third panel addressed the security situation in Europe and NATO’s role. The discussion highlighted the need for European countries, including Slovakia, to take greater responsibility for their own defense. Panelists pointed out the mixed signals from Slovakia regarding defense spending and the need for clear political will in strengthening defense capabilities. The importance of joint European defense planning and procurement was also emphasized.
Cross-cutting Issues and Final Recommendations The conference highlighted two key cross-cutting problems: the lack of foreign policy consensus and inadequate engagement with public opinion. Political leaders were criticized for merely echoing public sentiments without offering a clear vision or strategy, which undermines Slovakia’s ability to shape its position in the international arena. Final recommendations underscored the importance of perceiving political mandates as temporary, which could lead to greater responsibility among leaders in managing public affairs.
The high level of interest and attendance until late in the afternoon confirmed that the discussion on foreign policy remains both relevant and essential in Slovakia.
We already extend an invitation to all those who care about Slovakia’s foreign policy to the 24th annual conference, which will be held in 2026.
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