preložiť Procházka for ta3: Slovakia's withdrawal from the EU would be extremely difficult. However, it scares me that we are even starting to talk about it
The discussion about Slovakia's possible withdrawal from the European Union (Slovexit) is gaining momentum after the Deputy Speaker of Parliament Tibor Gašpar (Smer-SD) admitted the possibility of Slovakia's withdrawal from the EU and NATO. Constitutional lawyer Radoslav Procházka spoke about the constitutional and legal aspects of this issue in an interview with ta3.
Leaving the EU would be extremely difficult and lengthy
According to Procházka, Slovakia's eventual withdrawal from the EU would not be a simple process, but on the contrary, it would be a very complicated and long-term procedure.
"It would be extremely complicated and lengthy. And even more complicated from the point of view of the rules enshrined in the Union's primary law than from the point of view of domestic rules," the expert explained.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that Slovakia is part not only of the European Union itself, but also of its key structures, such as the eurozone and the Schengen area. This, according to Procházka, would pose even greater challenges in any attempt to leave.
Referendum is not a condition for withdrawal
Procházka also drew attention to the fact that the referendum on Slovakia's accession to the EU in 2003 was not obligatory, i.e. necessary, but optional.
"From a purely legal point of view, a referendum is simply not a necessary condition for Slovakia's eventual withdrawal from the EU," he said. This aspect could influence possible constitutional and legislative processes in the future.
Slovexit is unrealistic, but the debate about it is scary
Asked whether he could imagine that the coalition would realistically address Slovakia's withdrawal from the EU, Procházka replied unequivocally: "I cannot imagine it and I do not foresee it, but it scares me that we are even starting to talk about it in this way and that what has been a real taboo topic up to now can become a news topic at all."
Although the current government does not list leaving the EU as a priority, Gaspar's remarks have opened up a debate on a topic that was previously considered unthinkable.
At the end of the interview, Procházka warned against letting ideas about Slovakia's departure from the EU and NATO become a legitimate part of the public debate that could affect the country's stability.
You can watch the full interview with Radoslav Procházka here: