Fico, Cameron agree on EU reform, refuse mandatory migrant quotas

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico welcomed a discussion on reform of the European Union (EU) when meeting his British counterpart David Cameron on Friday.

"The Slovak government fully agrees with the position of the British government in terms of the increased competitiveness of the EU," said Fico.

"We have the same opinion on the misuse of the social systems of the richer countries of the Union. We understand that strengthening the position of national parliaments is a legitimate topic," said Fico, adding that Slovakia is a small country that benefits from deeper integration in the Union but has full understanding for Britain's stance.

Cameron pointed out that Slovakia and Britain are strategic partners and that he would use his opportunity in Bratislava to discuss a number of common topics. He welcomed Slovakia's support for reforming the EU, particularly in terms of increasing its competitiveness.

In the case of migration from North Africa to Europe the prime ministers agreed that mandatory quotas aren't the solution.

According to Fico, the solution should involve a voluntary basis, while Slovakia asserts the need to focus on the causes of migration.

The two leaders agreed that joint efforts are needed to calm the migrant situation in northern Africa and the Mediterranean. Endit