D. Saková: In times of geopolitical tension, Europe must strengthen its economic security and strategic partnerships
Denisa Saková, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of the Slovak Republic, attended a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in its Trade configuration (FAC/Trade) in Brussels on Friday, May 22, 2026, where ministers from Member States discussed current challenges related to economic security, global trade, and the competitiveness of European industry. The main topics of discussion included the impact of the conflict in the Middle East on trade and supply chains, the future of the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the European Union’s ongoing trade negotiations with partners around the world. Minister Saková also held a working meeting with representatives of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy (DG ENER), focusing on the current energy situation in Europe, strengthening energy security, and enhancing the competitiveness of the European economy.
“The current geopolitical situation once again demonstrates how closely trade, energy security, and the competitiveness of European industry are interconnected. As an open and export-oriented economy, Slovakia is particularly sensitive to disruptions in supply chains and volatility in energy prices. The European Union must therefore systematically strengthen its economic resilience, diversify its strategic partnerships, and at the same time remain open to global trade,” said Denisa Saková, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of the Slovak Republic.
During the discussions, Slovakia emphasized the need to strengthen energy security, develop strategic infrastructure interconnections, and support new EU trade agreements that can contribute to greater diversification of supply chains and a reduction in Europe’s strategic dependencies.
The ministers also discussed the European Union’s ongoing negotiations with several partners, including India, Indonesia, Mexico, the Gulf countries, and the United Arab Emirates. They welcomed the progress made in the transatlantic trade negotiations between the EU and the United States, which are expected to contribute to greater stability in global trade, increased predictability for European industry, and enhanced economic security on both sides of the Atlantic.
“I am very pleased that the European Union is currently advancing several important trade partnerships, from negotiations with the United States to the ongoing talks with Mexico. I also appreciate the significant role played by Slovak European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič in strengthening transatlantic trade relations. In today’s geopolitically challenging environment, it is essential for Europe to build strong, reliable, and strategic partnerships with key allies. Stable trade relations are an important prerequisite not only for the competitiveness of European industry and investor confidence, but also for the overall economic security of the European Union,” said Denisa Saková, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of the Slovak Republic.
Slovakia also supported the continuation of reforms within the World Trade Organization and the strengthening of a rules-based multilateral trading system. Another topic of discussion was the need to ensure a stable and predictable environment for digital trade and investment amid growing geopolitical tensions.
The Press Department of MoE SR