On November 5, intergovernmental consultations between Ukraine and the Slovak Republic took place in Lviv. Following the meeting, Prime Minister of Ukraine Serhiy Koretskyi and Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico signed a joint declaration of cooperation, which records the practical agreements and planned projects of the two countries. This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing statements by both heads of government on Facebook.
Declaration and educational projects
The parties signed an intergovernmental agreement on the establishment of a bilingual Ukrainian-English gymnasium in the Slovak Republic and a similar Slovak-English gymnasium in Ukraine. According to Koretskyi, the launch of the educational institutions is expected as early as the next school year. Thus, educational cooperation is becoming one of the priority areas of bilateral relations.
Transport and energy: electric locomotives and investments
Slovakia announced its decision to transfer three electric locomotives for the needs of Ukrzaliznytsia. According to the Ukrainian Prime Minister, they should be operational on the European standard tracks in Transcarpathia by the end of 2026. Furthermore, the countries will sign a framework agreement on financial cooperation, which, according to Koretskyi, will launch energy recovery projects under the Ukraine Investment Framework mechanism, amounting to more than 100 million euros.
Aid package: generators, shelters, medicine
Slovakia has sent an energy aid package to Ukraine worth 500,000 euros. With these funds, 54 generators will be delivered to Ukraine by the end of the month. Bratislava is also directing another 300,000 euros as a second contribution to the Civil Protection Shelter Coalition, and 200,000 euros for medical equipment for Ukrainian hospitals, Koretskyi specified.
Coalition for the return of children and Bratislava's position
Slovakia has also decided to become a full member of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, the Ukrainian Prime Minister noted. Robert Fico, for his part, stated that Slovakia aims to be a good neighbor and partner to Ukraine. "At the beginning of the joint negotiations between the governments of Slovakia and Ukraine in Lviv, I emphasized the importance of mutual respect, open dialogue, and constructive cooperation," he wrote.
Context: different approaches to supporting Ukraine
Fico emphasized that despite differing opinions on certain topics, Slovakia is ready to continue cooperation, mentioning potential areas such as projects in education, road infrastructure, and the development of energy connections. This statement came against the backdrop that, according to RBC-Ukraine, Bratislava is preparing its first joint economic commission meeting with Russia in five years, while Ukraine is asking the EU for a new 70 billion euro loan, which Slovakia and Hungary have reportedly stated they will not fund.
