Brexit to pose huge problem for Slovak EU presidency: PM

Britain's possible exit from the European Union (EU) following the June 23 referendum would cause a huge problem for the Slovak Presidency of the EU Council in the second half of 2016, announced Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on Friday.

According to Fico, British Premier David Cameron has introduced domestic political issues into the EU agenda, thereby significantly disturbing its foundations.

"It's been officially recognized that the EU can now be double-tracked," said Fico.

EU leaders at a summit last week accommodated Britain's demands, inter alia by making measures aimed at further deepening economic and monetary union voluntary for countries that aren't part of the eurozone. On the other hand, non-members can't put obstacles in front of further convergence of economic and monetary union.

"This may end up with the eurozone living its own intense integrational life, while other EU member countries will be cooperating loosely and/or will be part of some alliance," stressed Fico. At the same time, if Britain decides to leave the EU, similar reactions may emerge in other countries as well, noted Fico.

Meanwhile, he believes that nobody in Slovakia would open such a debate.

"We don't have a different living space apart from the EU. We need to be part of the EU core, have the euro and keep up with the strong countries," added Fico. Endit