Patriotism or PR? Slovakia's new military training draws mixed reactions

Euractiv

28-07-2025

Slovakia has wrapped up the first round of its new voluntary military training course, but as defence experts praise the drills, critics accusing politicians like President Peter Pellegrini of turning it into a PR stunt.
Launched in July, the new 14-day National Defence Forces (NDF) programme is part of Slovakia's effort to rebuild its long-neglected military reserves. Open to participants aged 18–55, the programme offers participants €1,500 and potential paths to further training or emergency response roles.
To promote the scheme, Pellegrini and Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák joined the first round on 10 July. But images of the pair in camouflage and combat poses quickly drew ridicule online. Far-right coalition leader Andrej Danko mocked Pellegrini and urged him to 'stop clowning around and go home already.'
Despite the optics, defence experts support the programme. "Although it looks more like a celebrity show than real, meaningful military training right now, it's good that it brought attention to the issue of military reserves," retired general Pavel Macko told Denník N , noting that Slovakia currently has just 100-150 active reservists – well short of the needed 'tens of thousands'.
Lucia Yar, Slovak defence expert and MEP for the liberal Renew group, welcomed the programme, pointing out that Slovakia was one of the last NATO countries on the eastern flank without a voluntary training scheme.
Still, she criticised the participation of government officials who had previously undermined defence initiatives , describing it as the programme's most serious flaw.
Pacifists turned soldiers?
Pellegrini and Kaliňák both avoided mandatory military service before it was abolished in 2006 and have long held reputations as pacifists.
During the 2024 election, Pellegrini styled himself as a 'president of peace,' and sought to portray his liberal rival Ivan Korčok as a warmonger who would send Slovak troops to Ukraine.
For his part, Kaliňák has previously argued that resistance to invasion is futile, referencing the 1968 Soviet occupation. 'If our parents had resisted, many of us wouldn't be here today,' he said, adding that 'the Russians always leave eventually.'
Even Richard Glück, chair of the parliamentary defence committee and fellow training participant, once signed a declaration refusing to defend Slovakia with a weapon in hand. 'Unfortunate and counterproductive' Yar and others also questioned whether it was appropriate for top officials to train alongside regular recruits.
"Government politicians – who either helped create the programme or are now taking part in it – are damaging its reputation and discouraging potential applicants. It's unfortunate and counterproductive," Yar told Euractiv Slovakia .
Other experts also questioned the decision to have the defence minister and president train alongside regular recruits, noting that one oversees the armed forces and the other serves as their commander-in-chief.
Meanwhile, the course itself has also come under fire for being too short to offer serious preparation. Follow-up opportunities also remain unclear, with the defence ministry yet to announce a timeline or locations for the next rounds, Yar noted.
(de)