During its Presidency of the European Council in the second half of 2016, Slovakia will have to address serious topics such as the possible departure of Britain from the EU, financial problems of Greece and the developing migration crisis. "We do have our own priorities, but we must especially address the external challenges of the EU," said Prime Minister Robert Fico on a Sunday discussion program of the news channel TA3. According to Fico, if Britain leaves EU, other countries may follow. Such a situation would put Slovakia as a presiding country under high pressure.
Last week the news site Euractiv.sk compiled the expectations of Slovak ministers towards the upcoming presidency. Slovak government ministers will lead the discussions and negotiations at the formations and working groups of the EU Council. Most of the ministers hope the presidency will help to increase the interest of Slovak citizens in what is happening in Europe. Foreign and European Affairs Minister Miroslav Lajčák wishes to overcome the fragmentation of the EU and aims to build a clear and strong brand of modern Slovakia. Both the Interior Minister Robert Kaliňák and the Defence Minister Peter Gajdoš plan to tackle the migration crisis. While Kaliňák wants to increase the protection of the EU's outer boarders and go back to a fully functioning Schengen Area, Gajdoš aims to fight illegal migration. The Economy Minister Peter Kažimír is preparing for negotiations with the US about the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) and is also ready to face challenges in the EU members' diverse energy policy interests. The Environment minister Peter Žiga wants to protect drinking waters sources. The Labour, Social Affairs and Family Minister Ján Richter expects negotiations on legislation changes regarding the free movement in the labour market, and also social benefits.
