Juraj Blanár

Juraj Blanár (born 16 May 1966) is a Slovak politician. He is currently the minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovakia.

He served as a member of the National Council from 2002 to 2006 and again from 2010 to 2023. From 2020 to 2023 he was a Deputy Speaker of the National Council. Between 2005 and 2017 he served as the governor of the Žilina Region. He is a member of the Direction – Social Democracy party.

Early life
Juraj Blanár was born on 16 May 1966 in Žilina. He studied at the University of Žilina. Before starting his political career, Blanár worked for the construction company Váhostav in his hometown.

Foreign policy
Regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Blanár opposes military help for Ukraine and supports improving diplomatic relations with Russia. He was one of the few Slovak MPs who did not vote for a parliamentary resolution condemning Russian killings of Ukrainian civilians passed after the Bucha massacre.

In 2022, then Foreign Affairs minister of Slovakia Ivan Korčok accused Blanár of supporting Russian conquest of Ukraine.

In January 2022, Blanár strongly opposed the defense agreement with the United States, arguing that it will eventually lead to US bases on Slovak soil.

Social issues
Blanár is pro-life and supported initiatives aimed at reducing access to adoption in Slovakia.

In March 2023, on the question of closure of shops on Sundays, Blanár spoke in favour of the ban with conditions.

Personal life
Blanár is married and has three children.