The Future of Slovakia and Its Relation to the European Union: From Adopting to Shaping EU Policies

Abstract

The authors offer an analysis of the economic and political development of the independent Slovak Republic on its way to the EU as well as of its positions in strategic policy fields since it became an EU member state in 2004, such as migration policy, enlargement policy, the rule of law, and security on the EU's eastern border. Slovakia's stance vis-à-vis the values of the EU are assessed by an analysis of government programme declarations over the last 20 years. The authors show how economic success and GDP growth has influenced Slovakia's support for EU membership, as well as how the country has positioned itself with regard to policy development and national interests on the one hand and to achieving EU goals and policies on the other.