Slovakia has a new head of state
In the heart of Eastern Europe, we find two neighbouring countries with unique histories and current political landscapes: Slovakia and Ukraine.
Slovakia, the capital of which is Bratislava, is a member of the European Union (EU), joining the bloc in 2004, like Germany. The country values democracy, allowing its citizens to vote freely and make decisions that shape their nation. This democratic system also provides opportunities for parties with fewer votes to participate and influence decisions, ensuring a diverse political landscape.
One of the key political figures in Slovakia is Robert Fico, a politico known for his pro-Russian stance and populist views. He leads the Smer-SD party, which has maintained close ties with Moscow even as Slovakia remains a member of both the EU and NATO. Fico's pro-Russian stance has been evident in his opposition to Ukraine in its war against Russia, a conflict that has its roots in 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea.
Ukraine, with its capital Kyiv, is a country with a complex history. Once part of the Soviet Union, Ukraine gained independence in 1993, much like Slovakia, which split from Czechoslovakia around the same time. Ukraine is almost twice as large as Germany but has fewer inhabitants. The linguistic landscape of Ukraine is diverse, with many people speaking both Ukrainian and Russian.
The relationship between Ukraine and Russia has been strained since 2014, with Russia expressing desires to annex parts of Ukraine, leading to conflicts over the Crimean peninsula and eastern Ukraine. In 2022, Russia further escalated tensions by invading the entire country, leading to a full-scale war.
The EU, formed after World War II to prevent future conflicts, consists of 27 member countries, including Germany. The EU has the power to make laws that apply to all member countries. However, the political situations in countries like Slovakia, with its pro-Russian Prime Minister, present challenges to the EU's unity and goals.
In conclusion, Slovakia and Ukraine, neighbouring countries in Eastern Europe, each have their own unique political landscapes and relationships with Russia and the EU. The EU, with its democratic ideals and power to make laws, presents a complex backdrop for these relationships, as countries like Slovakia navigate their pro-Russian leanings while remaining members of the EU and NATO.
