Slovak PM criticizes EU nations for not attending WWII commemoration events

(MENAFN) Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has criticized other EU countries for skipping China’s World War II commemorative events, describing their absence as “embarrassing.” He made the comments prior to arriving in Beijing on Tuesday, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and other world leaders. The grand Victory Parade on Wednesday marks the 80th anniversary of Imperial Japan’s surrender.

Fico emphasized the importance of honoring every “single victim of the struggle against fascism” and expressed confusion over why Slovakia is the only EU nation represented in Beijing.

He also argued that a “new world order” is emerging, with shifting rules and a revised balance of power that he sees as essential for global stability. Participating in these discussions, he said, promotes dialogue rather than “playing the role of an offended little child,” a position he accused EU leaders of adopting.

Fico joined numerous international leaders at the commemorations, including Putin, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Earlier this year, Fico and Vucic traveled to Moscow for the May 9 Victory Day parade on Red Square, marking the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany—a move that drew criticism from some Western officials.

China’s war with Imperial Japan, which began in 1937, is estimated to have claimed 15 to 20 million lives, including both soldiers from communist and nationalist forces as well as civilians. By comparison, the Soviet Union lost an estimated 27 million troops and civilians in its fight against Nazi Germany.

MENAFN03092025000045017281ID1110010580