Yearbook of Slovakia's Foreign Policy 2019
Yearbook of Slovakia's Foreign Policy 2019
Contributor(s): Peter Brezáni (Editor), Vladimír Bilčík (Editor), Juraj Buzalka (Editor), Alexander Duleba (Editor), Juraj Marušiak (Editor), Tomáš Strážay (Editor), Ján Šoth (Editor)
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Economy, Supranational / Global Economy, Economic policy, Government/Political systems, International relations/trade, Security and defense, Military policy, Financial Markets, Geopolitics, Asylum, Refugees, Migration as Policy-fields
Published by: Research Center of the Slovak Foreign Policy Association (RC SFPA)
Keywords: Slovakia; 2019; foreign policy; migration; OECD; ODA; NATO; security; energy; environment; Visegrad; V4; EU; elections; military; defense policy; USA; China; Russia;
Summary/Abstract: Thirty years ago, when the Iron Curtain came down and the region was swept up in euphoria, the Slovaks and Czechs, along with many in the free world, expected progress would be linear and positive, bringing enduring stability and prosperity. The events of recent years have proved us wrong and 2019 was no exception in this regard. Political, economic and technological change led to tectonic shifts in foreign and security policy across the world. The global order is being transformed. We are still in the middle of this process and it is difficult to define its parameters. We cannot say with any certainty when and how it will end. We do not know what the human and material costs will ultimately be. But we know that it is happening. We know that we are in the middle of a geopolitical and geoeconomic transformation. And we all find navigating these shifts difficult. Slovak foreign policy has stood up to these challenges by engaging, by being responsible and by having a clear strategy. As a result, we have no enemies and no significant unresolved issues with any country in the world. Slovak foreign policy has remained consistent and defended its principles. In an unpredictable world, Slovakia has remained a predictable and reliable partner.
Series: Yearbook of Slovakia's Foreign Policy
- Print-ISBN-13: 978-80-89356-90-4
- Page Count: 206
- Publication Year: 2019
- Language: English
European Year in Slovak Foreign Policy: Many Issues, Even More Questions
European Year in Slovak Foreign Policy: Many Issues, Even More Questions
(European Year in Slovak Foreign Policy: Many Issues, Even More Questions)
- Author(s):Juraj Hajko
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Gender Studies, International relations/trade, Present Times (2010 - today), EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment
- Page Range:13-24
- No. of Pages:12
- Keywords:Europe; EU; Slovakia; 2019; foreign policy; elections; presidency; gender;
- Summary/Abstract:Slovakia celebrated its 15 years of European Union membership together with nine other member states in 2019. Even 15 years after the biggest expansion of the EU in 2004, also known as Eastern enlargement, the East–West divide persists. We can still hear the member states being referred to as “new” and “old” and see differences in attitudes towards the cohesion funds, history and socio-cultural issues.
2019: Draghi’s Farewell
2019: Draghi’s Farewell
(2019: Draghi’s Farewell)
- Author(s):Martin Vlachynský
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Supranational / Global Economy, Economic policy, International relations/trade, Financial Markets
- Page Range:25-34
- No. of Pages:10
- Keywords:2019; foreign policy; politics; EU; Eurozone; GDP; car production; US; China; Brexit;
- Summary/Abstract:The year 2018 started with a dip and ended with a dip. While the first dip encouraged investors to buy, the second sowed fear. With fiscal problems in France and Italy, Brexit plans going round in circles and a headstrong US president, recession became the popular talking point of late 2018. The 2019 response to this was a turnaround in monetary policy in Europe and the United States. Central banks acted to keep the veil of prosperity firmly in place. However, as 2019 continued, problems could be glimpsed behind the veil.
Beyond Energy Security? Slovakia Ten Years after the Gas Crisis
Beyond Energy Security? Slovakia Ten Years after the Gas Crisis
(Beyond Energy Security? Slovakia Ten Years after the Gas Crisis)
- Author(s):Veronika Oravcová
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, National Economy, Energy and Environmental Studies, Environmental and Energy policy, International relations/trade, Present Times (2010 - today)
- Page Range:35-45
- No. of Pages:11
- Keywords:energy; gas; Slovakia; 2019; foreign policy; national economy; climate changes;
- Summary/Abstract:The year 2019 was a turning point in energy policy. Slovakia, like other EU countries, drafted its long-term climate and energy strategy, an integrated National Energy and Climate Plan for 2021–2030 (NECP). The NECP comes under the Regulation on the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action (EU/2018/1999) and covers five of the Energy Union dimensions: energy security; internal energy market; energy efficiency; climate action and decarbonization; and research, innovation and competitiveness. Primary responsibility for drafting the NECP lies with the Ministry of Economy. The NECP is an updated version of the 2014 Energy Policy of the Slovak Republic. Energy security is vital to Slovakia and a major issue since the natural gas crisis of January 2009. The year 2019 represented the beginning of a new direction in energy and climate policy and the end of a decade of energy security concerns.
Slovak Security and Defense Policy in 2019
Slovak Security and Defense Policy in 2019
(Slovak Security and Defense Policy in 2019)
- Author(s):Dušan Fischer
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, International relations/trade, Security and defense, Military policy
- Page Range:47-59
- No. of Pages:13
- Keywords:Slovakia; NATO; security; defense policy; 2019; EU; foreign policy;
- Summary/Abstract:When 2019 started, there were several defense and security issues to be resolved. The EU was preparing for its parliamentary election and Brexit day was still in the pipeline. It had been almost three years since the referendum, so desperation on both sides had turned into a tiresome wait for the United Kingdom to finally leave the EU. There were a couple of related questions, such as what kind of relationship would the EU and UK agree in relation to Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). In addition, with the United Kingdom leaving the EU, the member states felt the urge to address third party participation in Permanent Structure Cooperation (PESCO). In NATO the leadership and members were starting to get along with the U.S. administration and were able to distinguish words from actions. After reassurance from some U.S. government representatives, although not its head, NATO continued going forward, expanding rapid deployment, securing the Eastern and Southern Flanks by military and non-military means and keeping the door open for possible accessions. The Eastern Flank of Europe, particularly the ongoing frozen conflict in Ukraine led Slovakia to follow NATO’s policy of improving readiness through military exercises and by building security capacities, such as the NATO Force Integration Unit.
OSCE Chairmanship 2019
OSCE Chairmanship 2019
(OSCE Chairmanship 2019)
- Author(s):Samuel Goda
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, International relations/trade, Security and defense
- Page Range:61-70
- No. of Pages:10
- Keywords:foreign policy; OSCE; Slovakia; 2019; chairmanship; security; Europe;
- Summary/Abstract:The OSCE is an unconventional international intergovernmental organization providing dialogue to 57 participating states. We say unconventional because it lacks a constitutional document such as an international treaty or charter that is one of the essential elements of any regular, conventional organization. It has been called the OSCE since 1994 when it was agreed at the OSCE Budapest Summit that the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) should be renamed the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Within the organization, however, the term participating states continues to be used rather than member states. Practically, this has consequences, particularly in relation to OSCE field missions, budgets, logistics but also personnel issues. Of course, it is also a political issue and there is a working group composed of some participating countries that examines the advantages and disadvantages of this legal status.
Visegrad Menu in a Slovak Restaurant
Visegrad Menu in a Slovak Restaurant
(Visegrad Menu in a Slovak Restaurant)
- Author(s):Tomáš Strážay
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, International relations/trade, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment
- Page Range:73-80
- No. of Pages:8
- Keywords:V4; Visegrad; foreign policy; Slovakia; EU; 2019; 2020;
- Summary/Abstract:2019 was an electoral year with both the Slovak presidential and European elections taking place and campaigning for the February 2020 parliamentary election beginning at the end of the year. In fact, for most of the year election rallies were held at which stakeholders instrumentalized foreign policy issues to increase their chances in the election. Regional cooperation, especially in the V4, but also with neighbors served as a reference point in some of them.
Slovakia’s Eastern Policy in 2019: The Ruling Coalition in Cacophony
Slovakia’s Eastern Policy in 2019: The Ruling Coalition in Cacophony
(Slovakia’s Eastern Policy in 2019: The Ruling Coalition in Cacophony)
- Author(s):Alexander Duleba
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Geography, Regional studies, International relations/trade, Security and defense
- Page Range:81-93
- No. of Pages:13
- Keywords:Slovakia; foreign policy; eastern policy; 2019; security;
- Summary/Abstract:The year 2019 was the last full calendar year in which the coalition formed of SmerSocial Democracy (Smer-SD), Most-Híd (Most) and the Slovak National Party (SNS) was in government following the parliamentary elections in 2016. Yet by the end of 2019 it was clear that the coalition would no longer be able to govern after the February 2020 parliamentary elections. The foreign policy consensus among the Slovak political elite began collapsing back in 2014–2015, following the onset of the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, and broke down completely in 2019. The main reason for this was Slovakia’s eastern policy, and the contradictory messaging over Slovakia’s interests vis-a`-vis Russia and Ukraine, also evident in the ruling parties’ attitudes towards the EU and NATO. The cacophony around Slovakia’s eastern policy reached a height in 2019. Each of the three governmental parties pursued their own eastern policy. Moreover, two of them – Smer-SD and Most – allowed the third coalition partner SNS to continually delay the adoption of the new security strategy, allegedly because it was “anti-Russian.” The government coalition failed to meet one of the objectives of its own program agreed at the beginning of the government’s term.
Western Balkans – From Depression to Hope
Western Balkans – From Depression to Hope
(Western Balkans – From Depression to Hope)
- Author(s):Július Lőrincz
- Language:English
- Subject(s):International relations/trade, Present Times (2010 - today), EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment, Geopolitics
- Page Range:95-108
- No. of Pages:14
- Keywords:EU; 2018; 2019; foreign policy; Western Balkans; Slovakia;
- Summary/Abstract:A year ago when reviewing the year 2018 in Slovak foreign policy on the Western Balkans I raised the question of whether it had been a lost year or a useful year. The answer was that while it had not been a breakthrough year, it should not be condemned either. Indeed, the European Commission had drafted a policy paper, “A credible enlargement perspective and enhanced EU engagement with the Western Balkans,” in which it stressed that EU membership was a “geostrategic investment in a stable, strong and united Europe based on common values.”
Slovak Relations with East Asia: A Lost Decade?
Slovak Relations with East Asia: A Lost Decade?
(Slovak Relations with East Asia: A Lost Decade?)
- Author(s):Matej Šimalčík
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Supranational / Global Economy, Diplomatic history, Economic policy, International relations/trade, Present Times (2010 - today)
- Page Range:109-121
- No. of Pages:13
- Keywords:Slovakia; East-Asia; foreign policy; China; economy;
- Summary/Abstract:In recent years, the international system has seen a gradual shifting of the geopolitical and geo-economic centers of gravity. China’s growing power and rising assertiveness under the rule of Xi Jinping, the US trade war with China, and the ever-present threat of North Korea’s nuclear program suggest that the geopolitical shift has been following an eastward vector. This means the most important global processes, which will shape the world in the upcoming decades, are taking place in the Indo-Pacific region.
Slovak Development Cooperation in 2019
Slovak Development Cooperation in 2019
(Slovak Development Cooperation in 2019)
- Author(s):Daniel Kaba
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Civil Society, International relations/trade, Welfare systems, Developing nations, Asylum, Refugees, Migration as Policy-fields
- Page Range:125-141
- No. of Pages:17
- Keywords:Slovakia; foreign policy; 2019; development cooperation; ODA; OECD; NGO; migration; humanitarian aid;
- Summary/Abstract:2019 brought with it a number of new strategies, instruments and policies. Nevertheless, the old demons returned and our foreign policy and values continued to be undermined. Two main topics dominated – migration and private sector involvement in development cooperation. While migration framed both the beginning and end of the year, caused heated debates, was the reason minister Miroslav Lajčák submitted his resignation to the president (he later withdrew it) and was a politicized in the parliamentary election campaigns at the end of the year, private sector involvement has attracted less public and social media attention and been less prone to open misuse by politicians. Nonetheless both are equally important for development cooperation.
A Chronology of Important Events in Slovak Foreign Policy in 2019
A Chronology of Important Events in Slovak Foreign Policy in 2019
(A Chronology of Important Events in Slovak Foreign Policy in 2019)
- Author(s):Lucia Hanusinová
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, International relations/trade
- Page Range:145-158
- No. of Pages:14
- Keywords:Slovakia; foreign policy; 2016; politics; events; chronology;
Treaties, Agreements, Conventions Published in 2019
Treaties, Agreements, Conventions Published in 2019
(Treaties, Agreements, Conventions Published in 2019)
- Author(s):Author Not Specified
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, International relations/trade
- Page Range:159-164
- No. of Pages:6
- Keywords:Slovakia; 2019; foreign policy; treaties; agreements; conventions;
- Summary/Abstract:1. Presidential treaties and agreements; 2. Governmental treaties and agreements; 3. Multilateral treaties and agreements
Structure of the State Administration Authorities Acting in International and European Affairs in 2019
Structure of the State Administration Authorities Acting in International and European Affairs in 2019
(Structure of the State Administration Authorities Acting in International and European Affairs in 2019)
- Author(s):Lucia Hanusinová
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Government/Political systems, International relations/trade
- Page Range:165-172
- No. of Pages:8
- Keywords:Slovakia; foreign policy; 2019; state administration;
List of the Embassies in the Slovak Republic
List of the Embassies in the Slovak Republic
(List of the Embassies in the Slovak Republic)
- Author(s):Lucia Hanusinová
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, International relations/trade
- Page Range:173-181
- No. of Pages:9
- Keywords:Slovakia; foreign policy; embassies; list; 2019;
List of Consulates in the Slovak Republic
List of Consulates in the Slovak Republic
(List of Consulates in the Slovak Republic)
- Author(s):Lucia Hanusinová
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, International relations/trade
- Page Range:182-185
- No. of Pages:4
- Keywords:Slovakia; foreign policy; 2019; 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):Lucia Hanusinová
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, International relations/trade
- Page Range:186-191
- No. of Pages:6
- Keywords:Slovakia; foreign policy; 2019; abroad; embassies; permanent missions; consulates; institutes;
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):Lucia Hanusinová
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, International relations/trade
- Page Range:192-199
- No. of Pages:8
- Keywords:Slovakia; foreign policy; 2019; consulates; honorary consuls;
Slovakia’s Participation in Foreign Military Operations and Observer Missions in 2019
Slovakia’s Participation in Foreign Military Operations and Observer Missions in 2019
(Slovakia’s Participation in Foreign Military Operations and Observer Missions in 2019)
- Author(s):Author Not Specified
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, International relations/trade, Military policy
- Page Range:200-200
- No. of Pages:1
- Keywords:Slovakia; foreign policy; military operations; observer missions; 2019;
Authors
Authors
(Authors)
- Author(s):Author Not Specified
- Language:English
- Subject(s):International relations/trade, Scientific Life
- Page Range:203-206
- No. of Pages:4
- Keywords:about authors; Slovakia; foreign policy; 2019;