SK PRES: Success, professionalism and met promises

2.1.2017 | Aktivity ministra | Aktivity štátnych tajomníkov | Predsedníctvo SR v Rade EÚ

Bratislava (2 January) - The Presidency of the Slovak Republic of the Council of the EU was successful in all regards and presented a contribution to both the EU and to Slovakia. The Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic, Robert Fico, Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajčák and Slovak Government Proxy for the Presidency, Ivan Korčok, agreed on this conclusion at the evaluation press conference at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of SR in Bratislava on Monday.

'I consider the Presidency of the Council of the EU a clear success', stated Prime Minister Fico. He reported on the favorable evaluation of the Presidency's performance and outcomes by top officials of European institutions, member countries and European media. He identified the launch of the Bratislava process - that has started the EU's self-reflection following Britain's decision to leave the community - as the most important outcome of the SK PRES.

'I am satisfied with how Slovakia managed its first ever Presidency. We can lean on the accomplished outcomes and the trust and respect that we have earned while carrying out our presidential role in our future activities,' emphasized Prime Minister Fico.

Minister Lajčák added that the Presidency was professionally prepared and executed as well. 'We were perceived as an impartial and honest broker, as a sincere mediator of the European compromise. Since the beginning we focused on moving the European themes ahead in a positive and constructive way and we were seeking to find solutions good for the entire Union.'

Minister Lajčák also reminded that this is not based on a subjective evaluation but rather from feedback that Slovak officials have been receiving from their European partners. He also pointed out that SK PRES was not just acting with regard to Brussels:

'From the start, to us the Presidency was a society-wide matter and we introduced a system of auspices and sponsorship projects. I am pleased that all regions were involved in the SK PRES activities and about 450,000 citizens of Slovakia participated through various events organized by self-governments, non-governmental organizations and the civil sector,' stated Minister Lajčák.

Slovak Government Proxy and State Secretary of MFEA SR, Ivan Korčok, appreciated the cooperation of all relevant offices and services of the state in the successful performance of Presidency-related responsibilities.

'The Presidency was teamwork with participation of professional experts and specialists from all departments. It was an enormous experience and investment in people who have resumed their work pursuing the national interests since 1 January but thanks to their Presidency-related experience they have gained even better competencies now.'

State Secretary Korčok also summed up the specific outcomes of the Presidency in ten specific areas that are comprehensible also to common citizens because they are directly relevant to their lives.

Press Conference (Video)