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| Regardless of the result of the British referendum, EU needs to go through reflection |
| Bratislava, 24.06.2016 |
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| The Middle East Peace Process, political developments in Macedonia, visa liberalization with Georgia, as well as the Sahel region, the Arctic, and extension of the EUNAVFOR MED Sophia mandate were issues that dominated the EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) today. Slovakia was represented by Miroslav Lajčák, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic.
The EU Council today was held in a special atmosphere for Slovakia, said Lajčák. "This was one of the last ministerial meetings where we participated as a member state. As of next month, in exactly ten days, we will take over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
According to Minister Lajčák, the talks of the heads of EU diplomacy were marked by the upcoming referendum of Great Britain on its EU membership. “Since we soon take over the reins, the partners are highly interested in our opinion."
“We sincerely hope that Britain stays in the Union because both Britain and the Union are stronger when together,” emphasized the head of Slovak diplomacy. He added that regardless of the result of the people´s vote, the EU needs to go through thorough reflection. “It would be a mistake to say we go on as if nothing has happened. It would also be a mistake to launch the institutions´ race to outline the next Union framework.”
According to Minister Lajčák, the self-reflection should be made among EU leaders, who should respond with a “more efficient European Union, closer to the citizens with the focus on their problems.” “The European Union loses the support of its citizens, who increasingly identify less and less with the issues the EU deals with,“ stated Lajčák.
FAC topics
At their meeting, the EU Foreign Affairs Ministers adopted the EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia plan extension with two more supporting tasks – training of the Libyan coastguards and navy and contributing to the implementation of the arms embargo on the high seas off the coast of Libya. According to Minister Lajčák, this is a “step in the right direction.” As he outlined, Slovakia plans to become engaged and send ten experts to the German ship.
Within the discussion on the Sahel region, the EU ministers highlighted its importance for EU security, as well as resolving illegal migration issues. They came out in favor of a comprehensive approach to the region, including the long-term projects of support and generating prospects in the region.
The ministers also delved in the political crisis in Macedonia and agreed that it’s necessary to meet reform priorities, including credible elections. According to Slovak diplomacy, it’s also necessary to maintain European prospects of the country as part of the motivation factor.
The Foreign Affairs Council also adopted the conclusions on the Arctic, as developments in this area have a global impact. The core parts of the EU policy are environmental protection, sustainable development, co-operation with all relevant stakeholders including the native inhabitants, as well as support of science and research.
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Address : Euro-Brew Ltd., Hlboká 22, 917 01 Trnava, Slovakia
Tel. : +421 33 53 418 53, Fax : +421 33 53 418 52, E-mail : info@eurobrew.sk |
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