Slovak PM Fico says EU has paid heavy price over oil crisis, ongoing war

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has said the European Union has paid a heavy price as a result of an oil crisis and the continuation of war, according to a report.

Fico argued that the European Union is isolating itself from the rest of the world and has no meaningful say in settling military conflicts globally or in addressing other pressing international issues, the report said.

The Slovak prime minister has previously taken positions that diverge from the broader EU consensus on a number of foreign policy issues, including matters related to the war in Ukraine. His latest remarks add to a continuing pattern of criticism directed at the bloc's collective approach to international crises.

The report did not specify what concrete alternative approach Fico believes the EU should adopt, nor did it include a response from EU officials to his comments.