At a recent summit in Belgium, European Union leaders, including Slovakia's representative Robert Fico, discussed strategies to enhance the European economy, which is struggling against the competitive pressures from China and the USA. A variety of topics were addressed, such as reducing bureaucracy and eliminating internal trade barriers, enabling Slovak firms to establish a stronger presence within the single market, similar to operations in larger markets like the United States and China.

Robert Fico's perspective on economic growth appears constricted, as he continues to emphasize the restrictive nature of EU green policies and high energy costs. In his video commentary from the plane, Fico expressed his belief that the nostalgia for Russian gas is essential for Slovakia's energy security and economic rescue. Despite receiving numerous pieces of advice at the summit, he seems trapped in this narrow focus, as he dismisses most concepts presented to him while holding onto an illusion of cheap Russian gas and, more recently, the high costs of electricity.

Fico's recent comments post-summit indicate his intentions to advocate for reforms in the emissions trading system, positing it as a barrier to economic growth. This stance reflects a broader trend where Fico appears to be resistant to fully embracing new economic practices and policies that might provide avenues for sustainable growth. The implications of such a rigid viewpoint could hinder Slovakia's ability to adapt to global economic challenges and shift towards more innovative and competitive strategies within the EU market.