Since July 1^st, Slovakia took the lead on the Council of the EU instead of the Netherlands. As a member of the European Union since 2004, Slovakia carries out this responsibility for the first time and for 6 months. According to the European Deputy Anna Záborská, member of the pro-European Party, this news makes Slovakia “on an equal footing with the big European nations”.

Anna Záborská, member of the Slovak pro-European party

Slovakia plans to focus its policy on an economically strong Europe, a modern single market, sustainable migration and asylum policies and a globally engaged Europe. These will not be easy tasks especially due to an increase of Euroscepticism in Slovakia. As a matter of facts, a coalition has been formed by the President of the Slovak Government, Roberto Fico with a nationalist party (SNS). And this party is against Brussels’ policy, as an example, it refused the reception of migrants in Slovakia. The management of the migratory crisis promises some tensions.

Besides, the Slovak Presidency will have to deal with the British exit following the referendum held in the UK last June 23^rd; it will have to play a role in the negotiations of an unprecedented event. It will also take part in the discussions on the transatlantic Treaty with the US due to be signed this year. So many stakes for the Slovak Presidency! As a consequence, the construction of a Social Europe runs the risk of being sidelined…