Fico Demands EU Compensate for Aid Supplies to Ukraine
Prime Minister Robert Fico of Slovakia stated that he plans to discuss with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen the need for economic compensation regarding Slovakia's transfer of military equipment to Ukraine. Fico made these remarks following the conclusion of the EU-Western Balkans Summit held in Tivat.
Fico emphasized that Slovakia is currently facing a severe financial shortfall in reimbursing expenses incurred from its military aid to Ukraine.
According to him, the portion of funds originally reserved by the EU for compensating member states' expenditures on aid to Ukraine has been directly redirected toward targeted support programs for Ukraine itself.
Fico’s party holds a pragmatic and conservative stance on aid to Ukraine. Slovakia has previously transferred a large quantity of Soviet-style weapons, air defense systems, and military supplies to Ukraine, placing significant strain on its national defense stockpiles. The substantial costs of this assistance have not been fully reimbursed for an extended period.
The EU has established a dedicated fund for compensating countries providing aid to Ukraine; however, funding distribution prioritizes direct disbursement to Ukraine, while reimbursement payments to donor countries are delayed. This has placed additional financial burdens on Slovakia’s budget, prompting Fico to formally demand subsidies from the European Commission.
This request reflects broader cost concerns among Central and Eastern European nations providing aid to Ukraine. Hungary, Bulgaria, and others have also repeatedly raised similar compensation claims, which may compel the EU to revise its aid funding allocation rules.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1867224648375296/
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