Yearbook of Slovakia's Foreign Policy 2017
Yearbook of Slovakia's Foreign Policy 2017
Contributor(s): Peter Brezáni (Editor)
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Social Sciences, Economy, Education, Geography, Regional studies, Supranational / Global Economy, Sociology, Labor relations, Economic policy, International relations/trade, Security and defense, Welfare systems, State/Government and Education, Nationalism Studies, Migration Studies, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment
Published by: Research Center of the Slovak Foreign Policy Association (RC SFPA)
Keywords: Slovakia; 2017; EU; NATO; Visegrad; V4; economy; education; foreign policy; conventions; treaties; energy; Russia; Ukraine; security; defense; armed forces; Brexit; eastern policy; Western Balkans; nationalism;
Summary/Abstract: Tempora mutantur et nos mutamur in illis. As an old Latin adage has it, times change, and we change with them. The year 2017 was no different in that regard, and change continued to be the buzz word in the realm of international relations. Political trends became unpredictable and complex, sometimes even tectonic. It does not come easy to me to say that the world did not become a more stable and safer place last year. We saw turmoil and regional tensions, with the international community starting to lose consensus on some key issues previously understood as common interests. These changes are no longer situational. They are early warnings of new, long-term tendencies, stemming from protracted conflicts, social inequality, isolationism and lack of trust. Changing constants have placed new demands on our foreign policy, and on us as diplomats.
Series: Yearbook of Slovakia's Foreign Policy
- Print-ISBN-13: 978-80-89356-82-9
- Page Count: 173
- Publication Year: 2018
- Language: English
Slovakia and its foreign and European policy in 2017
Slovakia and its foreign and European policy in 2017
(Slovakia and its foreign and European policy in 2017)
- Author(s):Miroslav Lajčák
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, International relations/trade, Security and defense, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment
- Page Range:5-8
- No. of Pages:4
- Keywords:Slovakia; foreign policy; international relations; 2017; European policy; security and defense;
- Summary/Abstract:Tempora mutantur et nos mutamur in illis. As an old Latin adage has it, times change, and we change with them. The year 2017 was no different in that regard, and change continued to be the buzz word in the realm of international relations. Political trends became unpredictable and complex, sometimes even tectonic. It does not come easy to me to say that the world did not become a more stable and safer place last year. We saw turmoil and regional tensions, with the international community starting to lose consensus on some key issues previously understood as common interests. These changes are no longer situational. They are early warnings of new, long-term tendencies, stemming from protracted conflicts, social inequality, isolationism and lack of trust. Changing constants have placed new demands on our foreign policy, and on us as diplomats.
Back to normal: Slovak European policy in 2017
Back to normal: Slovak European policy in 2017
(Back to normal: Slovak European policy in 2017)
- Author(s):Vladimír Bilčík
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, International relations/trade, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment
- Page Range:11-18
- No. of Pages:8
- Keywords:Slovakia; foreign policy; European policy; 2017; EU;
- Summary/Abstract:Slovakia’s European policy in 2017 was about a return to normal operation after the country’s first ever EU Council Presidency in the latter half of 2016. Political attention to Europe and resources and public attention devoted to EU issues all diminished compared to the hype of the Council Presidency. Slovakia’s key interest was to represent itself in the EU rather than to represent the collective voice of member states in the EU. This proved to be a challenging task since the dynamics of the EU project were elevated to a new level with discussions on the nature and consequences of Brexit, presentation of new visions for the EU following the presidential election in France, continued tension between the western and eastern halves of the Union and new integration initiatives in the area of defense hitherto reserved as an exclusive domain of member states. Slovakia’s practical experience with the EU’s agenda in 2017 shows the relevance of domestic political constraints for the country’s performance in the EU. While these constraints could be sidelined and bypassed in part thanks to the help of the Commission during the execution of the EU interest at the helm of the EU Council, they became more apparent once Slovakia was one of the regular 28 member states again.
The boom year
The boom year
(The boom year)
- Author(s):Martin Vlachynský
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Geography, Regional studies, Supranational / Global Economy, Labor relations, Economic policy, International relations/trade, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment
- Page Range:19-27
- No. of Pages:9
- Keywords:Slovakia; world; economy; labor relations; foreign policy; EU; GDP; Visegrad;
- Summary/Abstract:The year 2017 was supposed to be a dangerous one. There were elections planned in France, Germany and Catalonia. It was a key year for Brexit negotiations and the first year of President Donald Trump. Yet, it was a year of booming stock markets in United States, recovering economies across the EU, and a seemingly stabilized Chinese economy. At the peak, crypto-mania shook the world both of professional and hobby investors. The Visegrad Four has been not left out of this boom. In Slovakia, reports of new low-unemployment records became a standard part of monthly statistical reporting. The economy continues to grow, new investors keep coming, and the National Bank of Slovakia has been applying the brakes on the real estate market. However, it is not difficult to observe that there are several economic and political cans being kicked down the world’s street – especially in Europe.
Adaptation, barriers, and cooperation – defense in 2017, in and out of Slovakia
Adaptation, barriers, and cooperation – defense in 2017, in and out of Slovakia
(Adaptation, barriers, and cooperation – defense in 2017, in and out of Slovakia)
- Author(s):Dušan Fischer
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, International relations/trade, Security and defense, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment
- Page Range:29-41
- No. of Pages:13
- Keywords:Slovakia; 2017; foreign policy; security and defense; NATO; Donald Trump; EU;
- Summary/Abstract:The most recent developments in security and defense suggest that we are living in troublesome times, with high tensions close to European and NATO borders. The situation between Russia and Western countries was impacted by continuous intelligence and informational warfare coming from Russia, and its military presence during the exercise ZAPAD 2017. The situation in Ukraine is yet to be resolved. On the international stage, the world witnessed more testing of ballistic missiles and thermonuclear weapons by North Korea. Despite several rounds of sanctions, the regime of Kim Jong-un has continued its development of nuclear weapons at a faster pace than previously anticipated. The atrocities in Syria were left without resolution, a combination of terrorist insurgency and proxy conflicts. International political leaders, including those from Slovakia, continued to speak about the worsening international security situation.
Slovakia’s energy policy in 2017: the bumpy road to a green economy
Slovakia’s energy policy in 2017: the bumpy road to a green economy
(Slovakia’s energy policy in 2017: the bumpy road to a green economy)
- Author(s):Pavol Szalai
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Economy, Energy and Environmental Studies, International relations/trade
- Page Range:43-55
- No. of Pages:13
- Keywords:Slovakia; foreign policy; energy policy; 2017; green economy;
- Summary/Abstract:The civic initiative “We are forest” (My sme les) is one of Slovakia’s most successful environmental campaigns. According to its communication director, Juraj Rizman, the call for protecting Slovakia’s forests was supported by 56,000 people in November 2017, which made it the country’s biggest environmental online petition. In the same month, one of the campaign’s leaders, Erik Baláž, was awarded the White Crow for his long-term activities, a prize awarded by non-governmental organizations for civic courage. His current campaign goal is to put an end to logging in protected forest areas.
Jewel or thorn? V4 in 2017 from Slovakia’s perspective
Jewel or thorn? V4 in 2017 from Slovakia’s perspective
(Jewel or thorn? V4 in 2017 from Slovakia’s perspective)
- Author(s):Tomáš Strážay
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Geography, Regional studies, International relations/trade, Migration Studies, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment
- Page Range:59-69
- No. of Pages:11
- Keywords:Slovakia; Visegrad; V4; foreign policy; 2017; EU; migrations;
- Summary/Abstract:The trends that characterized Visegrad cooperation in the year 2016 continued also in 2017. The prime ministers remained the main political drivers, while the foreign ministers (and foreign ministries generally) played the role of technical coordinators. Multi-layered and intensive cooperation in various sectors continued to be an important pillar of the V4. Perhaps the most visible connecting issue continued to be migration and a negative stance on redistribution quotas, while another important binding issue became that of double standards in food quality. With the intensification of debate on the future of European integration, V4 leaders, however, continued to present positions that differed in some way. Nevertheless, no V4 country has any interest in the dissolution of the V4 – on the contrary, all of them consider it a successful model of regional cooperation in many areas.
The Janus-face of Slovakia’s Eastern policy in 2017
The Janus-face of Slovakia’s Eastern policy in 2017
(The Janus-face of Slovakia’s Eastern policy in 2017)
- Author(s):Alexander Duleba
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Geography, Regional studies, Economic policy, International relations/trade, Security and defense
- Page Range:71-85
- No. of Pages:15
- Keywords:Slovakia; foreign policy; eastern policy; 2017; economy; Ukraine; Russia;
- Summary/Abstract:The Russian–Ukrainian crisis, which began in 2014, marks the end of an era in which both the Slovak political class, including the wider public, shared a common understanding of the country’s foreign policy priorities. This is the first time since the preaccession period of Slovakia’s foreign policy (before 2004) that the country’s political leaders have voiced conflicting narratives regarding an international crisis – including an interpretation of its nature, its meaning for the national interests of Slovakia, and how to respond to it. This article offers an analytical overview of Slovakia’s Eastern policy during 2017, which continued to involve the diverging lines presented by leading representatives of Slovak politics.
The Western Balkans – will the EU overcome enlargement fatigue?
The Western Balkans – will the EU overcome enlargement fatigue?
(The Western Balkans – will the EU overcome enlargement fatigue?)
- Author(s):Július Lőrincz
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Geography, Regional studies, International relations/trade, Nationalism Studies, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment
- Page Range:87-102
- No. of Pages:16
- Keywords:Slovakia; foreign policy; EU; Western Balkans; nationalism; Serbia; Kosovo; Montenegro; Albania; Macedonia; BiH;
- Summary/Abstract:The question in the heading may seem rather speculative, since an answer in the positive may appear simple and straightforward after the experience of recent years. Someone might argue that the unambiguousness of such a reply is simply wishful thinking that is out of touch with reality. However, a negative answer also does not take into account all the possibilities and elements of reality in Europe and the Western Balkans. The enlargement of the European Union to the southeast of our continent is simply a longterm process, the progression of which is connected with many obstacles, twists and turns affecting its rhythm and pace.
Slovak official development cooperation in 2017
Slovak official development cooperation in 2017
(Slovak official development cooperation in 2017)
- Author(s):Marián Čaučík
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Education, Economic policy, International relations/trade, Welfare systems, State/Government and Education, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment
- Page Range:105-115
- No. of Pages:11
- Keywords:Slovakia; foreign policy; development cooperation; 2017; Slovak ODA;SlovakAid; EU; education;
- Summary/Abstract:All quiet on the Slovak ODA Front – this is what could be said when reflecting on the year 2017 from a development cooperation point of view. Implementation of the eight main development cooperation programs under the SlovakAid logo in 2017 was much like it was in 2016, and – just as one year ago – it may again be said that the results achieved in 2017 were adequate to the inadequate resources invested, bearing in mind the Slovak ODA system’s year-long stagnation.
A chronology of important events in Slovak foreign policy in 2017
A chronology of important events in Slovak foreign policy in 2017
(A chronology of important events in Slovak foreign policy in 2017)
- Author(s):Author Not Specified
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Essay|Book Review |Scientific Life, Economic policy, International relations/trade, Security and defense, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment
- Page Range:119-127
- No. of Pages:9
- Keywords:Slovakia; foreign policy; 2017; events; chronology;
Treaties, agreements, conventions published in 2017
Treaties, agreements, conventions published in 2017
(Treaties, agreements, conventions published in 2017)
- Author(s):Author Not Specified
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Essay|Book Review |Scientific Life, International relations/trade
- Page Range:128-133
- No. of Pages:6
- Keywords:Slovakia; foreign policy; 2017; treaties; agreements; conventions;
Structure of the state administration authorities acting in international and European affairs in 2017
Structure of the state administration authorities acting in international and European affairs in 2017
(Structure of the state administration authorities acting in international and European affairs in 2017)
- Author(s):Author Not Specified
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Essay|Book Review |Scientific Life, International relations/trade, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment
- Page Range:135-142
- No. of Pages:8
- Keywords:Slovakia; foreign policy; 2017; state administration authorities; international and European affairs; structure;
List of the embassies of the EU, NATO, and some other countries
List of the embassies of the EU, NATO, and some other countries
(List of the embassies of the EU, NATO, and some other countries)
- Author(s):Author Not Specified
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Essay|Book Review |Scientific Life, International relations/trade, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment
- Page Range:143-151
- No. of Pages:9
- Keywords:Slovakia; foreign policy; 2017; embassies; EU; NATO; other countries;
List of consulates in the Slovak Republic
List of consulates in the Slovak Republic
(List of consulates in the Slovak Republic)
- Author(s):Author Not Specified
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Essay|Book Review |Scientific Life, International relations/trade
- Page Range:152-154
- No. of Pages:3
- Keywords:Slovakia; 2017; foreign policy; consulates;
List of the embassies of the Slovak Republic, permanent missions, consulates general, Slovak institutes abroad
List of the embassies of the Slovak Republic, permanent missions, consulates general, Slovak institutes abroad
(List of the embassies of the Slovak Republic, permanent missions, consulates general, Slovak institutes abroad)
- Author(s):Author Not Specified
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Essay|Book Review |Scientific Life, International relations/trade, Security and defense
- Page Range:155-160
- No. of Pages:6
- Keywords:Slovakia; 2017; foreign policy; embassies; missions; consulates; institutes; abroad;
List of consulates of the Slovak Republic headed by the honorary consuls
List of consulates of the Slovak Republic headed by the honorary consuls
(List of consulates of the Slovak Republic headed by the honorary consuls)
- Author(s):Author Not Specified
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Essay|Book Review |Scientific Life, International relations/trade
- Page Range:161-167
- No. of Pages:7
- Keywords:Slovakia; foreign policy; 2017; consulates; honorary consuls;
Numbers of the members of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic in peace missions
Numbers of the members of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic in peace missions
(Numbers of the members of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic in peace missions)
- Author(s):Author Not Specified
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Essay|Book Review |Scientific Life, International relations/trade, Security and defense
- Page Range:168-168
- No. of Pages:1
- Keywords:Slovakia; Armed Forces; foreign policy; 2017; peace missions;
Authors
Authors
(Authors)
- Author(s):Author Not Specified
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Essay|Book Review |Scientific Life
- Page Range:171-173
- No. of Pages:3
- Keywords:Slovakia; foreign policy; 2017; authors;