The author is the vice-chairman of the Democrats and a former prime minister
It is a big mistake that Slovakia was absent from the meeting of the coalition of the willing. It would never happen to us. The decision about whether Slovakia should belong to the coalition of the willing is actually a decision about whether we want to be part of the solutions or just their passive object. At a time when security, economic and value issues in Europe are decided quickly and under the pressure of crises, small countries cannot afford the luxury of hesitation or isolation.
The Coalition of the Willing is not an elitist club or a mindless following of the great. It is a format for the cooperation of states that understand that today freedom, security and prosperity are not maintained by words, but by actions. And that if we are not at the solutions, the consequences will catch up with ordinary people at home.
Neutrality does not bring security
The first benefit is immediate: security and stability. In the short term, membership in the coalition of the willing means faster access to intelligence information, coordination in times of crisis and a higher level of population protection.
Governments that are part of an active collaboration have a better understanding of risks, from hybrid threats to cyber attacks to energy security. These are not abstract concepts. These are the things that decide whether hospitals, electricity, transport and the state as such work. Citizens do not feel safe when the government talks about neutrality, but when it manages crises.
The second benefit is long-term: economic security and growth. Countries that are at the decision-making table have access to investment, technology and strategic projects. Today, defense and security cooperation does not mean only weapons, but research, innovation, jobs and regional development.
As an open economy, Slovakia needs the trust of its partners and is dependent on exports and a stable environment. If we want companies to invest here, to keep young people from leaving and to increase wages, we must be perceived as a reliable partner, not as a state that hides in a corner at the first push.
Sovereignty does not mean isolation
The third benefit is political: influence and respect. Small states do not have the power to dictate, but they can have the power to influence. And that’s when they have a clear attitude, good preparation and quality relationships. Sovereignty does not mean isolation. Sovereignty means the ability to assert one’s interests within a community that has real weight.
This is not a theory. This is my personal experience from the Prime Minister’s chair. When Russia invaded Ukraine, Europe was shocked. We came to the summit in Versailles as the only country with a concrete plan on how Ukraine can obtain candidate status for the EU. At the time, it sounded like a political fantasy to many. The idea that Ukraine would receive candidate status was described as unrealistic. Three months later it was a reality.
Not because we are a big country. But because we were prepared, we had a well-thought-out proposal and, above all, good relations with our partners. I have held negotiations with Emmanuel Macron, Ursula von der Leyen, Olaf Scholz and Mark Rutte to convince them that this step is possible and correct. And they listened. Because trust and partnership are not built on the day of a crisis, but over the long term.
This is exactly the point of the coalition of the willing. Even a small country can fundamentally influence the decisions of a large whole if it is well prepared and has good relations. Then the partners are willing not only to listen, but also to act. Sovereignty does not mean isolation. Sovereignty means the ability to influence reality.
Slovakia is not meant to play the lone rider in a dangerous world, to stand aside and wait for the world to decide without us. However, he has what it takes to be a confident, active and respected partner. Being in a coalition of the willing means protecting the freedom, security and future of our citizens. Not with words. By deeds.
