Slovakia and Serbia are bound by deep historical, cultural, and political ties. As a member of the European Union, Slovakia has in recent decades gone through similar challenges to those Serbia is facing today - from the transition to a market economy to the reforms necessary for EU membership. For this reason, Slovakia’s support for Serbia in European integration is not only diplomatic but also friendly and based on experience.
On the occasion of Slovakia’s Constitution Day, we spoke with Slovakia’s ambassador to Serbia, H.E. Michal Pavuk, about the importance of this holiday for the Slovak people, and also about how Bratislava views the future of relations with Belgrade. In an open conversation, Ambassador Pavuk spoke about support for Serbia’s European path, economic ties, shared challenges in the field of migration, as well as the rich cultural cooperation that unites our two nations.
The Slovak Republic marks Constitution Day on 1 September. What does this day mean to you personally and to your people?
"Constitution Day is a remembrance of the first Slovak constitution, adopted in 1992. The Slovak democratic constitution of that year paved the way for the creation of an independent Slovak Republic on 1 January 1993. For the Slovak nation, this date has profound historical significance.
It is also important in the context of Czech-Slovak relations, as we lived together from 1918 until the creation of independent Slovakia. For many citizens, it represents the moment when Slovak identity was shaped.
It is, in fact, the beginning of the journey towards a modern European and democratic country, which clearly demonstrated its direction – membership in the EU, NATO, WTO, UN, and other organisations. Today, 33 years later, it is evident how significant that date was."
Slovakia strongly supports Serbia on its European path. Your country has also gone through the accession process and knows what challenges may arise along the way. What lessons can Serbia learn from Slovakia?
"Slovakia’s support for Serbia is constant and sincere. I believe that such support will be of key importance for Serbia today and in the future.
Our country went through an economic transformation. By opening up to the European Union and to investment, significant progress was achieved. Slovakia made use of the potential of its industry, agriculture, educated workforce, and the willingness of its citizens to take part in reforms.
Much of this experience can also be useful for Serbia. If Serbia decides on the European path - and we believe that would be a good decision - we are ready to share our knowledge and help. We have long been doing so, not only through the work of our embassy in Belgrade but also through our embassies in other European capitals, which advocate for Serbia and its place in the EU."
Slovakia has assisted Serbia through various programmes, he points out, adding one example - sending Slovak experts and sharing experience.
"Our experts came to work in Serbia's ministries of finance, economy, and other institutions. They helped their local colleagues to prepare for the accession process, to understand the bigger picture and the strategic importance of reforms.
Sometimes certain decisions may appear small or insignificant, but when viewed from today’s perspective, they prove to be crucial. That is precisely the experience we want to share with Serbia. For Slovakia, support for Serbia has always been a matter of national consensus - we consider you close friends and we want to see you in Brussels, as part of our common European family."
Trade between Serbia and Slovakia exceeds one billion dollars - in which sectors do you see the greatest potential for further growth and deepening of economic cooperation?
"Economic cooperation between our countries is strong and constantly growing. Slovak companies are investing in the Western Balkans, especially in Serbia. In recent years, numerous business delegations have been organised, among the largest in the history of Slovakia. This clearly shows the interest of our companies in investing and trading with Serbia.
The reasons for this are many - from market compatibility, similar mentality, to competitive offers. The value of trade exchange has exceeded one billion euros, which is a significant achievement. Most of this exchange relates to industrial products and the cooperation of multinational companies."
Migration is one of the biggest challenges that the European Union has been facing. Slovakia, Hungary, and Serbia cooperate in border security and migration management. Has this format delivered results, and how do you see this cooperation developing in the future?
"Since 2015, Europe has been confronted with a major migration wave, particularly due to the war in Syria. Since then, migration has become a constant challenge. Slovakia has always believed that solutions must be controlled, with clear rules.
Serbia has made significant progress in migration control over the past two to three years, which many in Europe have recognised. This is an area where we work together - Slovakia, Croatia, Serbia, Austria. We believe that we will continue to support each other in the future."
The inclusion of Kovačica naïve art on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage is one of the successful examples of cultural ties between the two countries. This cultural cooperation is very important in the relations of the two nations. Where is it most visible?
"Slovaks in Vojvodina have lived there for more than 300 years and have always had good relations with the majority nation and other minorities. Vojvodina is an example of diversity, which is a great asset that must be preserved.
One way to achieve this is by promoting our culture. The most famous example is naïve art in Kovačica, which is recognised worldwide. UNESCO also acknowledged this initiative, which is especially important for us. We are grateful to the Serbian institutions that supported this project, as it shows how cultural diversity is nurtured.
Furthermore, we cooperate through joint projects - from exhibitions, postage stamps dedicated to Slovak tradition, to the presentation of Slovak literature at the Belgrade Book Fair. This is our way of bringing our culture closer to the people of Serbia, but also of strengthening the ties between our nations.
Looking at history, our peoples have always been close. Slovaks in Vojvodina, like many generations in the past, have had positive relations with Serbs. That is why I am happy that today I can contribute to nurturing this friendship through culture, education, and joint projects."
(EUpravo zato)
