Slovakia has taken over the presidency in the Slavkov format, which brings together three EU countries

Bratislava – Slovakia took over the rotating annual presidency of the Slavkov format (S3) on Monday, which will last until June 30, 2026. The main priorities will be energy security, cooperation in European affairs, and the EU’s enlargement to the countries of the Western Balkans, as well as the development of transport infrastructure, digital transformation, and development cooperation. TASR was informed about this by the communication department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic.

For Slovakia, this is the fourth presidency, which was handed over in the form of a traditional relay baton last week by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, Juraj Blanár. In addition to Slovakia and the Czech Republic, the Slavkov format also includes Austria.

“The priority of the Slovak presidency is primarily to support cooperation in key areas of common interest, where we agree and have a strong interest in promoting the same positions for the benefit of our citizens. In this case, we emphasize strengthening energy security, the enlargement of the European Union, the development of cross-border transport infrastructure, and adherence to the principles of international law,” said Blanár.

Slovakia will also focus on joint engagement in European affairs and at the same time strengthen development cooperation and digital transformation. The work plan of the Slavkov format for the years 2025 – 2026 has been approved by all three countries.

The Slavkov format aims to strengthen regional cooperation among the three Central European countries for the benefit of their citizens, stimulate new projects in areas of common interest, and support the exchange of information. According to Blanár, this grouping has created a stable platform for regional cooperation over the past ten years.

“In unity, we have been able to respond to challenges in the Central European space and at the same time provide our assistance beyond the borders of Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Austria,” said the head of Slovak diplomacy, highlighting the modernization of the railway connection between the capitals – Prague, Bratislava, Vienna – as part of the support for improving transport infrastructure. Other important steps are also being taken in the area of development cooperation.

According to Blanár, the trio of countries has been actively involved in negotiations within the grouping of Friends of the Western Balkans for a long time, aiming to contribute to the rapprochement of the states in this region to European integration. Blanár also mentioned assistance in Georgia in the project of sustainable development of the protected area of Aragvi and local communities, as well as the currently ongoing project for the environmental processing of medical waste in Lebanon.

The Slavkov format was established on January 29, 2015, when the prime ministers of Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Austria adopted the Slavkov Declaration in Slavkov near Brno. Here, on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the establishment of the Slavkov format, the first-ever S3 summit at the level of three presidents took place on March 5, 2025. The presidency in the Slavkov format lasts for one year, and member states exchange it based on a rotational principle. (July 1)

“We emphasize strengthening energy security, the enlargement of the European Union, the development of cross-border transport infrastructure, and adherence to the principles of international law.” Juraj Blanár.