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Slovakia Sees Renewed Protests Against Proposed NGO Law Amid Concerns Over Russian Influence
Thousands of Slovak citizens took to the streets once again on Thursday, protesting against a proposed law that critics claim mirrors Russian-style restrictions on non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Demonstrators marched through the capital, Bratislava, chanting slogans such as “We won’t give up freedom” and “No to the Russian law,” as opposition to Prime Minister Robert Fico’s policies continues to grow.
The protests, which have been ongoing for months, reflect public discontent over Fico’s apparent political shift away from the European Union and towards closer ties with Moscow. Similar rallies were held in multiple cities across Slovakia, with further demonstrations planned for Friday.
Controversial NGO Bill Sparks Outrage
The proposed legislation, introduced by the far-right Slovak National Party (SNS), a member of Fico’s coalition government, would require select NGOs to register as lobbyists and disclose financial details, including sources of funding and donor identities. Critics argue that the bill lacks clarity in defining lobbying activities and could be used to suppress civil society organizations.
Legal experts and civic groups, including the NGO Via Iuris, have voiced concerns that the law is unconstitutional and violates European Union regulations. “This isn’t transparency – it’s surveillance,” said Eva Kováčechová, a lawyer with Via Iuris. The bill has already been fast-tracked through parliament and is expected to be voted on next week.
Government Defends Transparency Measures
The Fico administration insists the proposed law is aimed at enhancing transparency in NGO operations. In a statement on social media, Fico dismissed criticism, saying, “Stop scaring Slovaks with illusions. We do not accept any Russian laws.”
However, opponents point to Russia’s 2012 foreign agents law, which has been used to crack down on dissent. That legislation requires NGOs and individuals engaged in vaguely defined political activities and receiving foreign funds to register as “foreign agents.” Similar laws have sparked mass protests in Georgia and Hungary, with the latter repealing its version in 2021 following an EU court ruling.
Political Tensions Escalate
Public discontent over Fico’s policies has been growing since he met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow last December. Following the meeting, Fico suggested that Slovakia should reconsider its EU and NATO memberships, alarming pro-Western Slovaks who fear increased Russian influence in domestic affairs.
Opposition leaders and civil society groups accuse the Fico government of undermining democratic institutions and judicial independence. Analysts have suggested that Fico is leveraging nationalist and pro-Russian sentiment to consolidate power and weaken political opposition.
As Slovakia braces for another wave of demonstrations, the proposed NGO law remains a focal point of wider concerns over the country’s political trajectory and its relationship with the European Union. The outcome of the parliamentary vote next week is expected to shape the ongoing struggle between Fico’s government and a mobilized civil society determined to protect democratic freedoms.
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EU Finalizes Response to US Tariffs, Eyes Negotiation Path
The European Union is preparing a counterstrategy in response to the United States’ recent imposition of 20% tariffs on all EU imports, a move that has escalated trade tensions between the two blocs. Despite warnings of a firm and quick response, the EU continues to finalize its countermeasures, aiming to avoid a full-scale trade war while keeping the door open for future negotiations.
The tariffs, announced by the US government on Wednesday, are the latest in a series of trade confrontations, following earlier duties imposed by the Trump administration on steel, aluminium, and cars. The EU, already dealing with the economic fallout of these earlier tariffs, is now faced with an additional 20% duty on all imports, adding complexity to its response.
“We are buying the space we need to negotiate with the Americans and are looking to target our response effectively,” said an EU official on Thursday. The EU’s approach will focus on limiting economic pain for its member states while also taking into account the potential impact on the US if necessary.
To counter the US tariffs, the EU is considering a range of retaliatory measures, including the targeting of US products in a two-phase response. The first set of countermeasures could be implemented by mid-April, with additional tariffs potentially coming into play by the end of the month. These tariffs could extend to key sectors such as cars, pharmaceuticals, steel, and semiconductors. Furthermore, the EU is contemplating using an “anti-coercion” tool adopted in 2023, which could affect US business licenses and intellectual property rights.
“We are not taking any option off the table,” stated a senior EU official. “Any response will be proportionate; we are not in the business of escalating but of solving things.” The EU’s goal is to navigate the situation without provoking further conflict, and it intends to employ these countermeasures as a means to incentivize the US to engage in meaningful negotiations rather than as a punitive measure.
EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič is scheduled to speak with US counterparts on Friday via video call in an attempt to keep diplomatic channels open. The EU has emphasized its desire to negotiate from a “fair position” and a “position of strength.” As one senior EU official explained, the ultimate aim is not to punish but to create an environment that encourages negotiation.
The US has long maintained that the EU imposes a blanket 5% tariff on US imports, while EU officials point out that the average tariff the US applies to EU imports is 1.4%, slightly higher than the EU’s 1.2% average on US goods. The EU is keen to negotiate reductions in these tariffs, striving for a balanced and reciprocal agreement.
Negotiations are expected to focus heavily on five sectors that are critical to US interests: cars, aluminium and steel, semiconductors, lumber, and pharmaceuticals. These industries are expected to be the most contentious areas of discussion as both sides seek to resolve the trade impasse.
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Europe Forms ‘Coalition of the Willing’ to Support Ukraine Amid Uncertainty Over U.S. Role
European leaders have officially launched the “Coalition of the Willing,” a multinational effort led by the United Kingdom and France to support Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia. The coalition, formed in response to shifting global diplomacy and concerns over Russia’s expansionist agenda, aims to ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty and prevent further escalation in the region.
A Response to Trump-Putin Negotiations
The formation of the coalition gained urgency following a surprise phone call between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 12. The call, which took place without prior consultation with European allies, raised alarms across the continent, prompting European leaders to take a more proactive role in shaping the future of the conflict.
Since then, multiple high-level summits have been held, with French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer spearheading the initiative. “Our goal is clear: to secure peace,” Macron stated. “To do this, we must put Ukraine in the best possible position to negotiate and ensure a lasting peace for all Europeans.”
Who Is Part of the Coalition?
The coalition has grown rapidly, now including 33 delegations from across Europe and beyond. Leaders from Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, Sweden, and other EU nations have joined, alongside representatives from NATO and the European Commission. Notably, Turkey, Australia, and Canada have also taken part in discussions.
However, some key countries remain absent. Austria and Malta have declined participation due to their neutral status, while Hungary and Slovakia, both NATO members, have resisted military support for Ukraine. The United States has not formally joined the coalition, though European leaders remain hopeful that Washington will provide some form of assistance, particularly in intelligence sharing and air defense.
Key Objectives of the Coalition
The coalition has outlined three main areas of focus:
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Military Support for Ukraine – European nations have pledged continued military aid, including artillery, air defense systems, drones, and training programs to strengthen Ukraine’s armed forces.
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Deployment of a ‘Reassurance Force’ – A new security force, composed of Western troops, will be stationed in Ukraine at key locations such as cities, ports, and power plants. The goal is to deter Russian aggression rather than engage in frontline combat. France and the UK have already committed soldiers, with Sweden, Denmark, and Belgium considering participation.
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Strengthening European Defense Capabilities – The European Commission has proposed an €800 billion investment plan to enhance Europe’s defense industry, with Ukraine set to benefit from these funds.
Uncertainty Over U.S. Involvement
While European leaders have made diplomatic efforts to engage the U.S., there is little clarity on whether Washington will actively support the coalition. Trump’s administration has hinted at reducing American troop presence in Europe, raising concerns about long-term transatlantic security commitments.
Despite this, Starmer remains optimistic. “This is a force designed to deter and send a message to Putin that this peace deal will be defended,” he stated.
Next Steps
The coalition is now working to finalize details of the reassurance force, including troop numbers, locations, and operational structures. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has invited military representatives to Kyiv to begin planning, with a follow-up summit expected in the coming weeks.
With Europe taking the lead, the coalition marks a significant shift in the West’s approach to the war, signaling that European nations are prepared to act independently if necessary to safeguard Ukraine’s future.
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