Yearbook of Slovakia's Foreign Policy 2018
Yearbook of Slovakia's Foreign Policy 2018
Contributor(s): Peter Brezáni (Editor)
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Social Sciences, Economy, National Economy, Political Theory, Sociology, Economic policy, International relations/trade, Security and defense, Political behavior, Economic development, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment
Published by: Research Center of the Slovak Foreign Policy Association (RC SFPA)
Keywords: Slovakia's EU policy; International relations; defense policy;Slovak economy; green Slovakia; Security; Visegrad Group; Foreign policy; State administration; EU and NATO; Economic policy;
Summary/Abstract: Now that we live in an age dominated by slogans, rather than arguments, it would be fitting to begin this Yearbook introduction with a short motto. However, it is impossible to characterize a whole year in international affairs in one word. Or even in one sentence. Especially a year such as 2018 was.In Slovakia 2018 was a year of anniversaries that reminded us of the roots of our statehood as well as the events that undermined it in the course of the twentieth century.But it was also a year in which a terrible crime reminded us about the strange power of the fateful “8” in our nation’s history and led to civic mobilization. Many important questions about our society were raised. In international affairs one could describe 2018 as a year in which we went one step forward and two steps backwards. As if a strange uneasiness permeated the whole system of international affairs, dominated by a lack of trust not only in each other, but also in the rules and institutions that we have jointly created to govern international affairs. Most of us know and understand, or at least instinctively feel, that in an increasingly interconnected world we need to work together to resolve common problems. Yet, we have seen more and more tendencies towards unilateralism, separatism or nationalism.
Series: Yearbook of Slovakia's Foreign Policy
- Print-ISBN-13: 978-80-89356-88-1
- Page Count: 182
- Publication Year: 2019
- Language: English
Slovakia’s EU policy in 2018: balancing core and periphery
Slovakia’s EU policy in 2018: balancing core and periphery
(Slovakia’s EU policy in 2018: balancing core and periphery)
- Author(s):Zuzana Gabrižová
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Government/Political systems, International relations/trade, Comparative politics, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment
- Page Range:13-28
- No. of Pages:16
- Keywords:Slovakia; EU policy; future of EU; foreign policy;
- Summary/Abstract:True to the tradition that the notable years in Slovakia’s history end in the number “eight,” 2018 will also likely be remembered as a significant moment in the country’s modern political development. It tested Slovakia’s resilience as a country that likes to consider itself as part of the EU’s core – both today and in the future. Several decisions solidified Slovakia’s position in the core in 2017. One was active participation in the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) in security and defense, while the other was involvement in enhanced cooperation under the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO). However, profound internal challenges were laid bare in early 2018. First of all, the wide-ranging repercussions of the murders of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová showed the failings of state institutions in a new light or rather placed them in the international limelight. Meanwhile,the foreign policy consensus and geopolitical orientation of the governing coalition continued to disintegrate. The political state of play in the Visegrad group countries, especially in Hungary and Poland, further complicated the situation for EU policy makersin Slovakia and the aim to position the region as a constructive player in debates on the future of the EU.
2018: Doing well, but no plan B
2018: Doing well, but no plan B
(2018: Doing well, but no plan B)
- Author(s):Martin Vlachynský
- Language:English
- Subject(s):National Economy, Supranational / Global Economy, Economic policy, International relations/trade, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment, Financial Markets
- Page Range:29-42
- No. of Pages:14
- Keywords:Slovakia; 2018; Federal reserve banks; European Central Bank;
- Summary/Abstract:The year 2018 started with a dip and ended with a dip. While the first encouraged investors to buy, the second sowed fear. With fiscal difficulties in France and Italy, Brexit plans going round in circles and a headstrong president in the US, recession became a popular topic of discussion in late 2018. Meanwhile, Slovakia’s economic policy suggested there was little to worry about in the future.
Decarbonization of the Slovak economy: who will pay for a green Slovakia?
Decarbonization of the Slovak economy: who will pay for a green Slovakia?
(Decarbonization of the Slovak economy: who will pay for a green Slovakia?)
- Author(s):Pavol Szalai
- Language:English
- Subject(s):National Economy, Energy and Environmental Studies, Economic policy, Environmental and Energy policy, International relations/trade, Environmental interactions, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment, Fiscal Politics / Budgeting
- Page Range:43-54
- No. of Pages:12
- Keywords:Slovak economy; Green Slovakia; industry and heating emissions; EU Emissions Trading System;
- Summary/Abstract:Slovakia faces having to significantly reduce industry and heating emissions. The funds that are to be provided under the EU Emissions Trading System may help. A carbon tax is another option in the game, but the private sector is against it. Slovakia is on track to meet its climate commitments for 2020 and 2030. According to the conclusions of a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) on the Slovak energy sector from November 2018 “the positive outlook is partly thanks to the Slovak government’s proactive policy support, but also to emission targets that were set rather low initially.”
Slovak security and defense policy in 2018
Slovak security and defense policy in 2018
(Slovak security and defense policy in 2018)
- Author(s):Tomáš Čižik
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Government/Political systems, International relations/trade, Security and defense, Military policy, Studies in violence and power, Geopolitics, Peace and Conflict Studies
- Page Range:55-64
- No. of Pages:10
- Keywords:Slovakia; Security and defense policy; Geopolitics; Iran Nuclear Treaty; USA; Military policy; NATO;
- Summary/Abstract:The year 2018 was not a calm one in world affairs. The post-Cold War international order is becoming more unstable, potentially threatening global peace and security, perhaps irreversibly. Geopolitics has become relevant once again, having adopted a new face. The great powers now compete and use hybrid warfare and political interference to achieve their political goals.
When pragmatism wins: Slovakia in the Visegrad Group
When pragmatism wins: Slovakia in the Visegrad Group
(When pragmatism wins: Slovakia in the Visegrad Group)
- Author(s):Tomáš Strážay
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Government/Political systems, International relations/trade, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment
- Page Range:67-74
- No. of Pages:8
- Keywords:Slovakia; Visegrad Group; Hungarian and Slovak V4 presidencies;
- Summary/Abstract:On July 1, 2019, Slovakia assumed its fifth presidency of the Visegrad Group. Independent observers might have noticed that Slovakia has chosen a different approach to the V4 from Hungary in its V4 presidency in 2017/2018. While the Hungarian presidency had an extraordinarily high number of activities and glamourous events – including fireworks in Budapest on the anniversary of the Visegrad Group – Slovakia’s take has been more modest. This is far from being the only difference in the approaches of the two countries towards Visegrad cooperation. This chapter therefore begins by pointing out the different views of Visegrad cooperation in the four V4 capitals. It then assesses the previous Hungarian and Slovak V4 presidencies from a comparative perspective, while pointing out the most important priorities of each. Subsequently, it summarizes the reasons why Visegrad cooperation remains important to Slovakia. Finally, in the concluding part it outlines some ideas on the future development of the V4.
Western Balkans – a lost year or a useful year?
Western Balkans – a lost year or a useful year?
(Western Balkans – a lost year or a useful year?)
- Author(s):Július Lőrincz
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Government/Political systems, International relations/trade, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment
- Page Range:75-88
- No. of Pages:14
- Keywords:Western Balkans; Slovakia; political leadership; EU Integration;
- Summary/Abstract:The Western Balkans have traditionally been a focal point of Slovak foreign policy interests and activities. They represent a chapter in the strategies and goals of external relations that have been shaped within a specific historical context, and through social, cultural and economic contact with the nations living in the neighborhood of Central and Southeastern Europe, and with whom we often share similar destinies. Today that context is mainly about building a secure, peaceful, prosperous and integrated Europe as part of the Euro-Atlantic structures. Slovakia and the Western Balkans occupy different places and play different roles in this process, but they are connected by their common desire to belong to the modernizing plank of society, overcoming the legacy of the recent past, and its sometimes dramatic and even tragic consequences, especially in the military conflicts of the 1990s when Yugoslavia collapsed. It is understandable, therefore, that compared to the leaders of other countries, especially in Western Europe, Slovakia’s political leaders are more sensitive to events connected with the EU integration efforts of the Western Balkan countries and to the obstacles stemming from Balkan and/or wider European policy.
Contradictory messages of Slovakia’s eastern policy in 2018
Contradictory messages of Slovakia’s eastern policy in 2018
(Contradictory messages of Slovakia’s eastern policy in 2018)
- Author(s):Juraj Marušiak
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Economic policy, Government/Political systems, International relations/trade, Security and defense, Peace and Conflict Studies
- Page Range:89-102
- No. of Pages:14
- Keywords:Slovakia's eastern policy; 2018; Russia; Ukraine; Russian issue;
- Summary/Abstract:The trends that emerged after Ukraine’s “Revolution of Dignity” and the annexation of Crimea in 2014 which led to the deep crisis in relations between the West and Russia were again a key factor in Slovakia’s Eastern Policy in 2018. Relations with Russia, and subsequently Ukraine, remain a strong dividing line within Slovak society. As proposed by President Andrej Kiska, in October 2017, Slovakia’s three highest officials – President A. Kiska, Prime Minister Robert Fico and Speaker of the National Council Andrej Danko adopted a common declaration on the country’s common priorities in the EUand NATO. It stated “unequivocally continuing in a pro-European and pro-Atlantic direction is in the strategic interest of the Slovak Republic.” They stressed their desire to improve the security of citizens “by implementing the updated Security Strategy, Defense Strategy, and Military Strategy of the Slovak Republic” and that this would “support Slovakia’s future inside the core of European integration.”
Slovak development cooperation in 2018
Slovak development cooperation in 2018
(Slovak development cooperation in 2018)
- Author(s):Jakub Šimek
- Language:English
- Subject(s):National Economy, Economic policy, Government/Political systems, International relations/trade, Welfare systems, Evaluation research, Economic development
- Page Range:105-119
- No. of Pages:15
- Keywords:Slovak development cooperation; 2018; official development assistance; Slovak ODA;
- Summary/Abstract:Slovak development cooperation is intended to improve the prosperity of the global community, and ensure that humanity has a positive impact on our planet in the long term. According to IATI data, between 2012 and 2017 Slovakia engaged in 1,800 activities as part of its official development assistance (ODA). That is an average of 300 activities or projects per year. In 2017 Slovakia followed through on 484 financial commitments, according to SlovakDev. These included the provision of multilateral and bilateral ODA, as well as covering the administration costs of 18 different actors providing Slovak ODA. This analysis aims to assess the current trends in development cooperation and opportunities to improve the effectiveness of Slovak ODA in terms of social impact value, learning value, and the signaling value of the “Good Idea Slovakia” brand.
A chronology of important events in Slovak foreign policy in 2018
A chronology of important events in Slovak foreign policy in 2018
(A chronology of important events in Slovak foreign policy in 2018)
- Author(s):Author Not Specified
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Economic policy, Government/Political systems, International relations/trade, Security and defense
- Page Range:123-131
- No. of Pages:9
- Keywords:Chronology of events; Slovak foreign policy; 2018;
- Summary/Abstract:January 1 The Slovak Republic assumes the OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operationin Europe) Troika Chairmanship together with Italy and Austria. State Secretary Parízek is appointed Special Representative for Slovakia’s OSCE Chairmanship. January 17 State Secretary Lukáš Parízek launches Slovakia’s OSCE Chairmanship in Forum for Security Co-operation. Slovakia will chair the Forum for the first trimester of 2018, until theend of the Easter recess. The State Secretary emphasized that one of Slovakia’s priorities is to facilitate and further the work on modernizing the Vienna Document, which lies at the heart of the OSCE’s set of confidence and security-building measures.
Treaties, agreements, conventions published in 2018
Treaties, agreements, conventions published in 2018
(Treaties, agreements, conventions published in 2018)
- Author(s):Author Not Specified
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Government/Political systems, International relations/trade
- Page Range:132-136
- No. of Pages:5
- Keywords:Treaties; agreements; conventions; Slovak Republic; International relations;
- Summary/Abstract:1. Agreement between the Slovak Republic and United Arab Emirates on support and reciprocal protection of investments (New York, September 22, 2016, published under No. 25/2018 Z. z.) 2. Agreement between the Slovak Republic and the Islamic Republic of Iran on avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income (Teheran, January 19, 2016, published under No. 122/2018 Z. z.)
Structure of the state administration authorities acting in international and European affairs in 2018
Structure of the state administration authorities acting in international and European affairs in 2018
(Structure of the state administration authorities acting in international and European affairs in 2018)
- Author(s):Author Not Specified
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Government/Political systems
- Page Range:137-144
- No. of Pages:8
- Keywords:Structure of the state administration authorities;
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):International relations/trade
- Page Range:145-153
- No. of Pages:9
- Keywords:Embassies; EU; NATO; Slovak Republic;
- Summary/Abstract:The Embassies in the Slovak Republic and their heads as of January 2019
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):International relations/trade
- Page Range:154-157
- No. of Pages:4
- Keywords:Consulates in Slovak Republic;
- Summary/Abstract:The heads of the consulates as of February 2019
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):International relations/trade
- Page Range:158-163
- No. of Pages:6
- Keywords:Embassies of the Slovak Republic; Slovak 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):International relations/trade
- Page Range:164-171
- No. of Pages:8
- Keywords:List of consulates of the Slovak Republic; Honorary consuls;
- Summary/Abstract:List of consulates of the Slovak Republicheaded by the 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):International relations/trade, Security and defense
- Page Range:172-172
- No. of Pages:1
- Keywords:Members of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic; Peace missions;
Authors
Authors
(Authors)
- Author(s):Author Not Specified
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Scientific Life
- Page Range:175-177
- No. of Pages:3
- Keywords:Authors; Yearbook of Slovakia's Foreign Policy;