David Boruta
Mar 11, 2025
A Nation Leaning West, Thinking Neutral, and Hoping for Safety Without Sacrifice
The latest public opinion report by the Future Slovakia Forum titled “Slovakia’s Security and Alliances – Public Opinion Report (March 2025)”
This report presents findings from a representative nationwide survey conducted by the FOCUS agency between March 3–6, 2025, on a sample of 1,006 respondents. It explores how Slovaks perceive NATO, defence spending, global threats, and the country’s geopolitical orientation.
The report reveals the results of the first 9 out of 13 questions included in the full survey, offering a focused snapshot of Slovak public opinion on security and alliances at a crucial moment in regional politics.
The data highlights a striking paradox: while a clear majority supports NATO membership (70.6%), there is widespread reluctance to increase defence spending or engage in military operations abroad. Many respondents identify with the West, yet simultaneously express uncertainty about Russia as a threat and hold negative views of the United States. These contradictions point to the influence of disinformation and the fragile nature of Slovakia’s strategic anchoring.
The report concludes with recommendations for strengthening public resilience, reframing defence debates, and encouraging political leadership that is willing to make difficult decisions—even when public sentiment is unclear.
The research was funded through public crowdfunding and features expert contributions from leading Slovak and European analysts.
REPORT IN ENGLISH here:
CHART WITH THE FIRST 9 OUT OF 13 QUESTIONS: