David Boruta
Mar 12, 2025
What the Data Really Says About Slovakia’s Place Between East and West – Final survey results and expert insights reveal public contradictions and strategic confusion in times of growing geopolitical pressure.
This follow-up expert discussion, organized by the Future Slovakia Forum, took place on March 12, 2025, and presented the final findings from a public opinion survey conducted in cooperation with the FOCUS agency. It explored how Slovak citizens perceive their country’s place in the world, particularly in relation to NATO, the EU, neutrality, and support for Ukraine.
The debate featured sharp commentary from experts including sociologist Michal Vašečka, former Minister of Foreign Affairs Miroslav Wlachovský, and moderator Juraj Petrovič. They addressed the growing gap between Slovakia’s declared pro-Western orientation and the public’s reluctance to support the responsibilities that come with it.
Survey results revealed several key paradoxes:
While 70.6% of Slovaks support NATO membership, nearly 50% simultaneously favor neutrality.
A majority support humanitarian aid to Ukraine, but military aid remains unpopular.
Over half of respondents would accept a peace deal allowing Russia to keep part of Ukrainian territory.
A substantial share of voters sees the U.S. as a threat, reflecting the impact of disinformation.
The event concluded with a strong call for political leadership, civic education, and strategic communication to ensure Slovakia remains a confident, democratic member of the West.
This panel builds on the first discussion (March 6, 2025) and completes the publication of all key data from the March survey, revealing 13 questions in total.
WRAP-UP OF THE EXPERT PANEL AND OF THE SURVEY RESULTS HERE:
Experts in the panel discussion, March 12, 2025: Miroslav Wlachovský - former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic, diplomat and foreign policy expert, Globsec Distinguished Fellow Martin Slosiarik - public opinion expert, director of the FOCUS agency, which conducted the survey for o.z. Forum for the Future of Slovakia, a consultant for the FOCUS Michal Vašečka - sociologist, expert on social trends and public opinion, member of the Board of Directors of Aspen Institute CE and Director of Bratislava Policy Institute Moderator: Juraj Petrovič EXPERT PANEL DISCUSSION II. VIDEO HERE: