Slovakia has said it will not pay the solidarity fund that the European Union (EU) requires for countries that accept migrants from other member states. The country argues that the EU should help it secure its borders rather than impose additional financial obligations. The statement came after the EU Commission released its annual migration report, which confirmed that Slovakia would not receive an exemption from the solidarity fund for 2027. The fund, part of the EU’s migration and asylum policy, was introduced in June 2026 following the adoption of the EU migration and asylum pact. Member states that take in migrants are expected to contribute to the fund, while those that do not are exempt. Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok, a member of the Hlas-SD party, said the EU should support Slovakia’s security and border protection. “If the European Commission does not consider the scope of this aid sufficient reason to release Slovakia from further solidarity contributions, it should reconsider how it assesses solidarity,” he told reporters. “Under these circumstances Slovakia expects support in strengthening its security, not pressure for further direct payments,” added Šutaj Eštok. The ministry’s spokesperson, Matej Neumann, highlighted that Slovakia, as a direct neighbour of war‑torn Ukraine, bears the costs and responsibility of protecting refugees. “Tens of thousands of people who fled the war live on our territory,” Neumann said. “We are actively defending Slovakia’s interests in the migration solidarity debate.” Prime Minister Robert Fico, also of the Smer‑SD party, had earlier in June stated that Slovakia would rather pay about four million euros in 2026 than accept redistributed immigrants. The ministry and the EU Commission have not confirmed that payment. Slovakia first requested an exemption from the solidarity fund in 2026, arguing that it had accepted tens of thousands of Ukrainian refugees. Because it was not listed among the countries entitled to an exemption, the country asked the Commission to reconsider its position and remove the obligation to contribute. The final form of the solidarity fund, the amount of contributions, and any possible exemptions will be decided by the EU Council. A qualified majority—at least 15 member states representing at least 65 % of the EU population—is required for the decision. Member states can show solidarity by accepting asylum seekers, making financial contributions, or providing other assistance such as staff or equipment. Countries facing the greatest migration pressure may draw support from the solidarity fund.