Slovakia Updates White Book on Defence Due to New Security Situation

Bratislava, September 28 (TASR) – At its regular session on Wednesday the Cabinet approved the updated version of the White Book on Defence of the Slovak Republic regarding the development of Slovakia’s defence strategy, transformation of its Armed Forces and their current status as well as defining its future tasks.

The reason behind the update is the change in the global security environment.

“We know about the situation in Ukraine and Crimea. It’s mainly terrorist threats, extremism and migration waves that have affected the process of securing and building of the defence system not only in Slovakia but also in Europe,” said Defence Minister Peter Gajdos (SNS/Slovak National Party nominee). According to him, the new document emphasises making Slovakia self-reliant in the defence of its territory.

The updated White Book is based on the 2013 White Book, approved by the previous government of Robert Fico (2012-16), and will feature the vision of development for the Armed Forces until 2030.

In the document, the Defence Ministry states that weaknesses still remain in capabilities of the Armed Forces, mostly attributed to long-term underfinancing and inefficient resource management in the past. Among some consequences is the lack or obsolete state of equipment and armaments, inadequate length and quality of training and low interoperability with allied forces.