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Slovakia wants to bring EU closer to people: Slovak PM

Xinhua, July 1, 2016 Adjust font size:

During its presidency of the European Union(EU) Council, Slovakia wants to focus first and foremost on a positive EU agenda and bring the bloc closer to people, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said here on Thursday.

Speaking before the European Commission College and Slovak government ministers who assembled at Bratislava Castle, Fico said he would like the Slovak presidency to represent symbolically "a sort of political Danube River" - to bring together countries of Europe.

"We might experience fright but must not be afraid. Simply put, we can't be afraid to call things as it is. We can't be afraid to say that there are some European policies that don't find support across the entire Europe. Fear is a very bad guide. Fear leads to the fragmentation of Europe. Fear is the most potent tool for extremists and nationalists," said Fico.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker sees the presidency as a great opportunity for Slovakia. "You'll be the driving force and moderator of Europe. Moderator doesn't hide but leads. Even in topics that could be extremely difficult for this country," said Juncker.

According to Juncker, the European Commission can identify with the agenda that the Slovak government approved earlier in the day for its presidency.

"I'm confident that the Slovak presidency will be a real success," said Juncker.

The program approved by Slovak government states the four key priorities of the Slovak presidency - an economically strong Europe, the modern single market, migration and a globally committed Europe.

To build an economically strong Europe, the Slovak presidency will focus on increasing the EU's economic attractiveness. As for the single market, Slovakia wants to focus on a single digital market and energy union.

Slovak Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak admitted migration was "a huge complex phenomenon."

"We must learn to live with it," said Miroslav Lajcak.

"There are many aspects, and we want to focus on those that are positive and that help EU citizens," he added. Enditem