We are partners, friends and Allies

For three decades, The Slovak Spectator has been a trusted source for Slovakia’s diplomatic community. Marking this milestone, we turned to some of the ambassadors currently serving in Bratislava with a question: What moments or achievements in their relations with Slovakia stand out as the most significant – and why?

The following piece was contributed by Nigel Baker, British Ambassador to Slovakia.

As a young diplomat, establishing the new British embassy in Bratislava, I remember distinctly the first edition of The Slovak Spectator in 1995. It marked another step in Slovakia’s journey from membership of the Soviet-controlled communist empire to taking up its position in the club of western democracies as a fully-fledged independent state. Exciting times! And I am proud that the United Kingdom played its positive and active role in that evolution.

I could highlight many moments on that journey. But I wanted to focus on three that have special meaning in our relationship, and whose impact still resonates today. The opening of the British labour market to Slovaks in 2004 following Slovakia’s accession to the EU and NATO. The State Visit of Her Majesty The Queen in 2008. And the decision in 2015 by Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) to open its plant in Nitra.

Britain played a critical role in helping to secure Slovakia’s membership in the EU and NATO. We were the NATO Contact Point embassy for Slovakia from the 1990s, and energetically pursued a policy encouraging the growth of both organisations in the emancipated countries of Central Europe. Our decision immediately to open Britain’s labour market to Slovak citizens in 2004 was especially significant, because we were amongst the first western European countries to do so. It marked the key moment in the foundation of the modern Slovak diaspora in Britain which now plays a vital role in our bilateral relationship, a “living bridge” between our countries. Around 140,000 Slovaks now call Britain their home, one of Slovakia’s largest communities abroad. We are proud of their contribution to our country and their achievements. Slovaks are an important part of modern Britain – it is even possible to buy Kofola in British shops! And there are more flights to the United Kingdom from Slovakia than to any other country.

The Queen’s visit in 2008 marked a moment of maturity in our relationship, 15 years since independence. It was a way in which my country could acknowledge Slovakia’s progress and demonstrate at the very highest level the ties that bind our two democracies. Her Majesty recalled those Slovak heroes who had fought alongside Britain in WWII and evoked the modern partnership between our nations. It was a symbol of our mutual past, looking forwards to a shared future.

A future demonstrated in its most concrete form by the decision of JLR to invest in Slovakia, its plant in Nitra planned as the production line of the company’s newest Land Rover models. Production began in 2018 and continues to expand. One of Britain’s most iconic car brands finding its home under the hills of Slovakia’s most ancient city, employing thousands of Slovaks and investing billions of euros. I cannot imagine a stronger evocation of our bilateral ties.

There is much else that characterises the relationship between Britain and Slovakia. We are partners, friends and Allies. Long may that continue, building on the successes of the past 30 years.