International Relations
Interview
Isolationist Hypocrisy: Fico Courts Russia and Sells Ammo to Ukraine
15 May 2025
Vladimír Špidla reflects on the complexity of the 2004 EU enlargement, emphasising that while it triggered positive changes, its success is difficult to gauge. He urges for a deeper integration to tackle urgent issues like security and climate change, all while unravelling the nuanced difference between power and influence.
Vladimír Špidla served as Czech Prime Minister from 2002 to 2004, overseeing the Czech accession to the EU during the 2004 enlargement. He then went on to serve as the EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities from 2004 to 2010.
Wojciech Przybylski: Looking back at the 2004 EU enlargement, we often talk about the success of countries like the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary. Do you agree with it, or do you think it’s only a half-baked success?
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