Slovak gov't approves strategic framework for EU presidency

The Slovak government approved the strategic framework for Slovakia's Presidency of the EU Council in the second half of 2016 on Wednesday.

The framework is based on priorities of the EU's strategic program adopted at a summit in June 2014: jobs, growth and competitiveness, an energy union, freedom, security and justice, and the EU's role as a strong global player.

"This document shifts us to the next level and makes it clear that we are approaching the final phase, because now we're finally talking about the presidency's content," confirmed Slovak Foreign and European Affairs Minister Miroslav Lajcak.

He added it's already evident that the British referendum on staying in the EU on June 23 will be a factor during the presidency, as its results will have to be manifest in legal documents in the second half of 2016 regardless of the outcome.

Another big issue will be migration.

"We'll try to make sure that it's finally about implementation of credible European policies and not merely about crisis management any longer," said Lajcak, adding that he expects the two EU summits in March, a special session devoted to migrants expected in the first week and a regular session on March 17-18, to move things forward.

As for economic issues, Slovakia will focus on measures that should help to use the potential of the common market in order to offer consumers better services at lower prices and help businesses in their growth. A special focus will be directed on the energy union, with an emphasis on enhancing energy security.

On EU enlargement, Slovakia will pay particular attention to current candidates and potential candidates, and to bringing Western Balkans countries closer to the Union. Slovakia also supports closer cooperation with NATO in protecting the Schengen Area border. Endit