THE UPCOMING SLOVAK PRESIDENCY: PREPARATION AND PRIORITIES

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2 THE UPCOMING SLOVAK PRESIDENCY: PREPARATION AND PRIORITIES Dušan Matulay Ambassador of the Slovak Republic The Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA)

3 SLOVAKIA S FIRST EU PRESIDENCY CHALLENGES AND PRIORITIES FOUR BASIC ELEMENTS context / the point of departure for SK PRES our ambition as PRES, how to contribute priorities of the PRES program vision of Europe that we aim for

4 CONTEXT - POINT OF DEPARTURE FOR SK PRES Slovakia will take over the steering wheel of the Council of the EU after NL PRES on 1 st of July Trio NL, SK, MT An experienced predecessor and two novices It is our and Malta s very first PRES, but the 12 th for NL For fans of numerology = NL: 12 th PRES SK: 12 years of EU

5 CONTEXT - POINT OF DEPARTURE FOR SK PRES Challenging set-up: migration and refugee crisis (+ Schengen) terrorism conflicts in our neighborhood UA/RU, ISIS (SY) UK referendum (23.6.) fragile Eurozone A difficult context to digest, both for the Member States and EU citizens. As a result: attempts to draw divisive lines, to finger point, to push for pseudo/populistic solutions, Besserwisserei, question the unity of the EU or the credibility of the core integration projects (such as Schengen/EMU/enlargement).

6 CONTEXT - POINT OF DEPARTURE FOR SK PRES And: rising Euroscepticism, radicalization, anti-politics But, we do not like such defeatist mentality. Any community would have huge problems, if it was confronted with such type of challenges. Those who only criticize do it mostly with an intention to mobilize and manipulate the public against the EU. The EU is the worst form of European coexistence, except for all the others that have been tried.

7 HOW CAN PRES CONTRIBUTE? PRES is an excellent opportunity to substantially contribute to the joint search for solutions and answers. Honest broker with positive attitude. No nonsens PRES (pragmatic, uniting, people s voice)

8 HOW CAN PRES CONTRIBUTE? We have an idea of how to move Europe forward - 2 elements: focus on positive agenda: to build upon successful experience and continue to foster the Single Market in order to remove barriers and obstacles in the Single Market; aim for sustainable solutions: do not lose sight of a strategic vision and long-term perspective: solutions that are sustainable over time Our overarching ambition will be to help Europe be more resilient - in terms of a stable economy, a deepened Single market, effectively managed migration and asylum policy as well as strong external relations and international trade will help Europe to become a real global player.

9 SK PRES PROGRAMME The ingredients that we have to merge are three-fold: a) our vision; b) current reality on the ground; c) strategic EU documents What priorities do we want? Major principles: bring tangible results / deliverables help overcome the fragmentation in the EU focus on EU citizens These principles are mutually reinforcing we believe that with (1) tangible results that (2) help overcome the fragmentation, we can bring (3) real added value for our citizens.

10 SK PRES PROGRAMME PRIORITY AREAS: economic and financial agenda single market, especially digital sustainable migration and asylum policy external relations and trade

11 WHAT EUROPE DO WE AIM FOR? Benchmarks of a successful PRES will be: tangible progress in legislative files efficient interplay with other EU institutions (COM, EP) capacity to react to unforeseen events/circumstances The most challenging part of our PRES will be our ability to assume the true role of PRES: to put aside national priorities and clearly pursue a common European interest. TO DO SO, WE NEED to fight our complacent mentality to restore trust among MSs and ability to listen to deliver on what has been agreed

12 THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION!