Economically strong Europe, modern single market, sustainable migration and asylum policies, and globally engaged Europe are the main goals to be pursued by the Slovak Presidency. The Ambassador also claimed that a great deal of attention would be given to EU external and internal security as well as functioning and strengthening of the Schengen area. Jovita Neliupšienė, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Lithuania to the EU, was also engaged in the discussion with members of the Committees and emphasised that reinforcement of the Economic and Monetary Union in order to boost competitiveness should go hand in hand with the strengthening of the social dimension.
Members of the Committees were interested in Slovakia’s approach towards further negotiations over the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership following the US presidential election. The Ambassador stressed that the negotiations were conducted by the European Commission. However, the agenda of the Slovak Presidency also includes discussions on the matter. Members of the Committees were also keen on getting a perspective on the Eastern Partnership and its further development. The discussion also focused on the importance of solidarity and unity among the 28 EU Member States in an attempt to overcome the current challenges in the EU.
