German Foreign Minister Wadephul Visits Slovakia Over NATO, EU Duties

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul travelled to Bratislava on 29 September to discuss Slovakia's obligations arising from its membership in NATO and the European Union, with talks focused on aid to Ukraine and relations with Russia, according to the German Foreign Ministry and Slovak media.¹²³⁴

Bilateral talks in Bratislava

In Bratislava, Wadephul met with Slovak foreign minister Juraj Blanár and Prime Minister Robert Fico. The German Foreign Ministry said the discussions would focus on obligations tied to Slovakia's EU and NATO membership, particularly attitudes toward aiding Ukraine and shaping relations with Russia.²¹³⁴

According to Slovak and German reporting, the bilateral agenda also included regional cooperation, the European Union's multiannual financial framework, illegal migration, energy security and EU competitiveness.²¹³⁴

The Slovak Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs said Slovakia's own priorities for the meeting included developing bilateral relations and regional cooperation, alongside migration, energy security and EU competitiveness.⁶

Part of a wider European tour

The Bratislava stop is one leg of a multi-day tour that also includes The Hague and Strasbourg, according to the German Foreign Ministry. It was described as Wadephul's first visit to Slovakia since taking office.⁶⁵

In The Hague, Wadephul was due to visit the International Criminal Court together with Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen. The German Foreign Ministry said talks in Bratislava would focus on strengthening European defensive capabilities and supporting Ukraine.⁵

From Slovakia, Wadephul travelled to Strasbourg to address the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, where he was expected to speak on Germany's commitment to protecting and strengthening human rights, the rule of law and democracy.²¹³⁴

Context around the visit

According to German news agency dpa-AFX, reporting via onvista, Slovakia's political leadership is regarded by many as pro-Russian, and Prime Minister Fico has repeatedly criticised European Union sanctions against Moscow. The same report said Germany is one of the largest bilateral donors to the Council of Europe.⁷

The German Foreign Ministry described the wider trip as part of efforts to bolster international law, noting that only one country gives more money to the International Criminal Court than Germany does, according to the ministry's own account of the visit.⁵