Czech-Slovak relations have plummeted to their lowest point since the countries peacefully separated in 1993, as Slovakia’s pivot toward Moscow creates a deepening rift with its historically closest ally.
At a Glance
- Relations between Czechia and Slovakia are more strained now than during their 1993 separation
- Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s pro-Russian stance and halt of Ukraine aid has angered Czech leaders
- Prague canceled traditional joint government meetings in March 2024 citing “significant foreign policy differences”
- Slovakia has fallen from first to tenth place in Czech citizens’ ranking of favorite countries
- Future relations remain uncertain, potentially affected by upcoming elections in both nations
From Brotherhood to Cold Shoulders
The Czech Republic and Slovakia once exemplified how nations could peacefully separate while maintaining exceptionally close ties. For decades after their 1993 “Velvet Divorce,” the two countries operated with virtually seamless cooperation, conducting regular joint cabinet meetings and maintaining deep cultural and defense partnerships. This special relationship has deteriorated dramatically since Robert Fico returned as Slovakia’s Prime Minister in October 2023, bringing a sharp pivot in foreign policy that has alarmed Czech leadership.
The most visible sign of this breakdown came in March 2024 when Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala took the unprecedented step of canceling traditional joint government meetings. “We do not consider it appropriate to conduct governmental meetings with the government of the Slovak Republic in the coming weeks or months,” Fiala declared, citing irreconcilable differences over Ukraine policy.
“We note that the Czech government has decided to risk our relationship just because it is interested in supporting the war in Ukraine, while the Slovak government wants to speak openly about peace,” Robert Fico responded, highlighting the fundamental divide between the nations’ approaches.
Ukraine Drives the Wedge
The central dispute between the neighboring states revolves around their divergent responses to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Czech Republic has firmly backed Ukraine, welcoming refugees and providing substantial military aid. Slovakia under Fico has moved in the opposite direction, halting weapons shipments to Ukraine and reestablishing diplomatic connections with Moscow. Fico’s attendance at Russia’s May 9 Victory Day Parade in Moscow particularly alarmed Czech officials, who view such gestures as legitimizing Russian aggression.
The conflict has become personal between the countries’ leaders. During an EU summit in Brussels, Fiala confronted Fico about his criticism of Czech media and politicians. “Robert Fico in Brussels must have heard very well what I was saying to him, the acoustics at the place were good. I went up to him and told him not to attack the Czech media and political scene,” Fiala recounted of the tense exchange.
Public Opinion Reflects the Diplomatic Chill
The diplomatic breakdown has filtered down to public sentiment. Recent polls show Slovakia has plummeted from being Czech citizens’ favorite foreign country to merely tenth place—an astonishing decline for nations once considered inseparable. The division appears in policy views as well: according to the Globsec Trends 2024 survey, Czechs and Slovaks hold dramatically different views on Russia’s role in the Ukraine conflict, with significantly more Czech citizens supporting military assistance to Ukraine.
“The basic message should be that despite some differences of opinion at government and sometimes even presidential level, our common foundation still exists,” said Richard Rasi, Slovakia’s deputy prime minister, attempting to downplay the severity of the rift.
Uncertain Future for Central European Alliances
Political analysts note that Slovakia’s shift toward Moscow aligns with historical patterns of pro-Russian sentiment in the country. However, the current situation threatens to reshape regional alliances. Slovakia now appears more aligned with Hungary’s Viktor Orbán in forming a pro-Kremlin bloc within the European Union, potentially including Austria. This realignment could significantly impact EU dynamics, especially regarding sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine.
The political futures of both countries remain in flux. In Slovakia, the opposition Progressive Slovakia party, which maintains good relations with Prague, leads in current polls. Meanwhile, in the Czech Republic, Slovak-born Andrej Babiš, who leads the opposition ANO movement and has historically friendly relations with Fico, could potentially become Prime Minister. Such leadership changes might either heal the rift or further entrench the divide between these historically close neighbors.
“We regret that Czech politicians are using Slovakia and the issues we are dealing with for their own election campaign, and this should end as soon as possible,” said Katarína Roth Neveďalová, spokesperson for Slovakia’s Foreign Ministry, suggesting the tensions may have electoral motivations.
