Slovak President Andrej Kiska kick-started the second day of his visit to EU institutions on Wednesday by meeting European Parliament president Martin Schulz for talks that mainly addressed the current situation in Europe, public trust in EU institutions, the implementation of European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker's investment plan and free movement in the Schengen Area. Schulz expressed his thanks to Slovakia for its solidarity in supporting fellow EU countries that have been grappling with financial and debt crises. He went on to bring attention to Juncker's investment plan of over €300 billion that he said is to provide an incentive for economic recovery and major opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses. Schulz also pointed to Ukraine and embraced Slovakia's willingness to assist in reforms aimed at Ukraine's recovery. As far as the Schengen Zone is concerned, the two officials concurred that the free movement of EU citizens must under no circumstances be jeopardised when addressing the issues of boosting the EU's security.
Slovak President Kiska reiterated the view that he conveyed to European Commission President Juncker that the EU is not a problem, but actually a solution to problems plaguing European citizens, also in terms of investments and cutting the unemployment rate. Kiska also discussed the falling level of public trust in EU institutions, which, while still high in Slovakia, has also dropped in this country. "Tasks lie ahead for both sides. As far as Slovakia goes, it's up to the President, the Government and Parliament to communicate sufficiently to the public the actual importance of EU institutions and their influence on the lives of ordinary Slovak citizens," stated President Andrej Kiska.
