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| Slovakia involved in central discussions on the EU’s future |
| Bratislava, 22.07.2016 |
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| Slovak Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Miroslav Lajčák met experts from NGOs and then ambassadors of fellow EU Member States in Bratislava on Wednesday to discuss the Slovak Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the challenges facing the Union.
At both meetings, Mr Lajčák took stock of the Slovak Presidency thus far in terms of its preparedness and capacities. He also brought attention to two concrete achievements since the beginning of July: the opening of two key chapters in Serbia’s EU accession process and the agreement of the Member States on next year’s EU budget.
The Slovak Presidency is also working hard to prepare the most important event to take place during its tenure – the informal meeting of the prime ministers and presidents of 27 EU Member States due to take place in Bratislava on 16 September, where the leaders are to discuss the EU’s future after the United Kingdom’s exit.
In his talks with the representatives of more than 30 entities from the worlds of science, business and academia, Mr Lajčák launched a debate on the vision for a future Europe that European leaders should offer to citizens.
“Slovakia is involved in central European discussions on the EU’s future. As a result, it is important for the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs to be cognisant of the views and ideas of stakeholders from various walks of life, and take their views into consideration in the discussions,” said Mr Lajčák. He emphasised that the summit in Bratislava would not put an end to the discussions on the EU and that it is up to political and social elites in Slovakia to encourage a serious debate in the country on how to bring the EU closer to people.
Mr Lajčák talked about the latest developments in the EU from the vantage point of the Slovak Presidency with ambassadors of the EU Member States accredited to Slovakia. He summarised the events and measures taken thus far and briefed the diplomats on meetings currently being planned, particularly those pertinent to external relations and foreign policy.
Bratislava will host an informal meeting of the General Affairs Council as early as next week. In early September, ministers for foreign affairs of the EU Member States will gather in Bratislava to attend an informal meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council (Gymnich). Both events are also set to be attended by representatives of candidate countries. After the meeting in September, the ministers will also meet their counterparts from Eastern Partnership countries. “Even at a time when the Union is facing internal challenges we must not lose sight of the fact that we are a global player and that there are partners in our neighbourhood that need our continued attention and help in their transformation and approximation to European values and standards,” said the Slovak minister.
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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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