Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has urged Brussels to focus on addressing illegal migration instead of funding Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. He criticized the EU for not doing enough to tackle illegal immigration, suggesting that investing in infrastructure in countries like Libya could help prevent people from fleeing to Europe. Fico questioned the EU’s priorities, highlighting the need for a successful policy to stop migrants before they reach European borders.
Illegal immigration remains a significant political challenge for the EU, especially after the 2015 crisis when around 1 million people arrived in the bloc, mainly via the Mediterranean Sea. Fico’s remarks coincided with the European Parliament’s approval of a €35 billion loan to Ukraine, funded by revenues from frozen Russian assets held in Euroclear. He emphasized the importance of investing in countries like Libya to build essential infrastructure and reduce the need for people to undertake dangerous journeys to Europe.
Fico has been critical of Brussels’ support for lethal aid to Ukraine and has advocated for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict. His stance has drawn attention, especially after surviving an assassination attempt linked to his government’s decision not to send arms to Ukraine.
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